Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Lincolnton, NC (WNN) - In case you missed it, Untapped Territory, located at 118 E Water St in Lincolnton, hosted its first-ever Mission 22 and Salute The Brave benefit concert this past weekend. The event took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, and drew a large crowd in support of local veterans and the fight to end veteran suicide.
The event featured live music performances from Bailey Marie Griggs, Shane Willis, Daniel Jeffers, and Zee Phoenix. These musicians played country songs from artists like Toby Keith to Ella Langley.
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Griggs became a fundamental force in connecting Salute The Brave with Mission 22. She has worked with Mission 22 in the past, and her dad, Ben Griggs, is one of the founders of Salute The Brave. Not to mention, Bailey's grandfather, Ben's dad, fought in the Vietnam War.
Mission 22 ambassador, Kevin Evans, said the organization is "united in the war against veteran suicide." The organization's goal is to provide free services to veterans and their families. Events like these help Mission 22 allocate enough funds to continue helping veterans and their families in need. These services include long-term wellness programs and group-based healing environments for families that are struggling.
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During the benefit concert, Evans introduced his friend, Ken Bohannon, to share his story. His testimony. "It doesn't get any easier", he says as he is trying to recount his story. A Story that he has been sharing again and again for nine years. Bohannon's son committed suicide at the age of 27. As he shares his story, Evans holds up a picture of Bohannon's son, dressed in full Marine gear, perched on a rock in Afghanistan. Next to Evans was a large cutout silhouette of what had once been Bohannon's son, standing on that rock.
If you would like to help end veteran suicide, you can reach out to mission22.org for more information. Their next event will be held on August 22, 2026, in Lincolnton. Evans teases a motorcycle ride, food vendors, and a music concert you don't want to miss.
When speaking to Jen Simpson on behalf of Salute The Brave, she explained that the organization was created specifically to partner with veterans and first responders.
"We were born for this initial benefit," she said. Simpson hopes that their shirts will continue to say 2nd Annual and 3rd Annual as they continue to support Mission 22.
Tickets were $10 at the door. Local sponsorships that partnered with Salute the Brave helped veterans attend the event for free. During the live performances, people could tip the band, buy t-shirts, raffle tickets, and silent auction items.
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The auction featured items such as a Mission 22-commissioned guitar and a chartered fishing trip to Florida.
Salute The Brave raised over $10,000 for Mission 22.
All of these organizations want to help those who may be struggling. If you need help, remember it's okay to reach out. There is a strong community waiting to see you become a part of it. Some links to crisis resources are below:
Veterans Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Text Line - 838255
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call 988
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