Veterans Business Network Holds Walk for Veteran Suicide Awareness

GLENS FALLS — The Veterans Business Network, a council of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Walk for Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention at Glens Falls City Park on Wednesday, helping raise awareness for mental health issues among veterans.

The Veterans Business Network aims to “promote and to serve the affinity group of veteran and military service personnel,” according to the Chamber’s website.

The walk lasted 22 minutes, highlighting a statistic stating that 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide each day. Prior to the walk, the event featured several speakers, including Glens Falls Mayor S. William Collins, New York State Senator Dan Stec, and New York State Assemblyman Matt Simpson.

“Within this small group of patriots, we are losing 22 of them, and likely more, each day. And not on the battlefield, but in their hometowns. On their own soil, by way of suicide,” said Sean Dion, vice chair of the Veterans Business Network. “In my opinion, one is too many. … My call to action for you is to be the beacon in your community, and if you see something, say something. Not all wounds are visible. If someone needs a wingman, be there for them. Making connections is the path to prevention for veteran suicide.”

Mayor Collins thanked the crowd for attending, saying he “can’t express how important this event is to raise awareness about this crisis among our veterans.”

“22 a day, I’ve got to tell you, I was shocked,” said Mayor Collins. “22 a day is inconceivable across this country. … We know that’s why this event is so important. I deeply appreciate the Chamber’s Veterans Business Network, and thank both the ARCC and the Veterans Business Network for locating the regional call to action here in the heart of Glens Falls.”

Senator Stec said he was “thrilled that this event has taken a firm hold.”

“This is a national tragedy, and frankly it’s an epidemic,” Stec said. “This is something that we as government and as community should be focusing our energy and effort on, because our veterans that have served and sacrificed deserve nothing less.”

Assemblyman Simpson said his time in the assembly has taught him the best way to assist is “by listening to veterans.”

“I’m not a veteran. There’s no way that I could ever put myself in the shoes of a veteran, somebody who’s served, who has been there and come home,” said Simpson, mentioning he has two nephews who served in Afghanistan. “It’s been quite an experience to learn about the challenges that people are facing. … It hits home. It hits every single one of us. Our families are not secure from this, and we need to do all we can to support our veterans. It starts with listening. Listening to them, and taking direction.”

Jolee Hicks of #HicksStrong, Inc. also spoke, remembering her son, Macoy.

“On February 11, 2019, our son, Macoy Austin Daniel Hicks, died by suicide while actively serving in the Navy,” said Hicks, who started #HicksStrong along with her family to assist veterans with mental health struggles. “We have turned our pain into a purpose and are saving lives every day. If you take anything away from today, please take this: You matter. Your life matters. Life is hard. It downright sucks sometimes, but you don’t have to do it alone.

“#HicksStrong’s mission is to save military lives. Our family motto is, ‘Together we’re stronger.’ We can’t do this alone, but together we can.”

Jacque Ecuyer, founder of 4s4LIFE, spoke and described his battle with depression and drug addiction, stating that, “despite the incredible pain, I found strength. I knew this was bigger than me.”

“I created 4s4LIFE with one sole mission: to help people combat mental health issues on multiple levels. I’ve been clean from drugs for over 25 years now, and have dedicated my life to helping as many people as possible,” said Ecuyer. “Every life matters. Every human needs connection on some level. You are not alone. Together we can make a difference.”

Cindy Roberts, president of the New York chapter of Gold Star Mothers, spoke in remembrance of her daughter, Kristie.

“About eight months after Kristie had passed, I was invited to join Gold Star Mothers,” Roberts said. “Since that time, it broke my heart, because over half the moms in our chapter are parents of suicide (victims). … All I can say is, please don’t let any other parents go through what we have been through. Reach out, ask those questions.”

Roberts added that “it means so much” to see the crowd walking together.

“If we can just get the stigma off talking about suicide, so many people are just uncomfortable,” said Roberts. “We know, as I look at all of you, that we are not alone. And all I can say is thank you for not letting us share this burden by ourselves.”