As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, I want to take time to remember the sacrifices our military families have made and continue to make. Like many of you, I’m proud of my family who have served, and the children of friends who served and continue to serve. Particularly during this holiday weekend, as we enjoy barbecues and time with family, let’s remember the reason for the holiday. Not only those who didn’t return home, but also the toll their service has taken on the lives of many of our veterans.
Last summer, I lost a cousin who served in Vietnam. The athletic, outgoing man who left the summer after graduating high school and was never the same when he returned. Another family member recently lost his battle with cancer associated with Agent Orange.
It seems appropriate that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, particularly with the rising rates of veteran suicide as well as first responders. The past year, the rate for suicide by women veterans increased from 13.7 to 13.9, while for men it increased from 37.3 to 37.8. The representatives at the Santa Cruz Veterans’ office are very helpful, although there is more need than staff.
Recently, volunteers were able to open a food bank in Watsonville in addition to other services provided by the United Veterans Council (UVC) of Santa Cruz County. UVC accepts donations including clothing, shoes, hygiene kits and other supplies. If you’d like to donate, call 760-807-8326 or email do********@*ol.com. Santa Cruz County Veteran Network provides a variety of services, their website: scveterannetwork.org/providers.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don’t feel you have to struggle alone. There are resources: Call the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Helpline at 800-950-6264, text “NAMI” to 62640. In a crisis, call or text 988.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the Vets4Vets bowling tournament at Boardwalk Bowl. This is always a fun opportunity to bowl with local veterans and hear their stories, all while supporting a great cause. Thanks to Vets4Vets and the many volunteers, including Jo Cheney and Andrew Cameron who work to make this event happen each year.
Vets4Vets presented Journey for Change 10 Year Anniversary Walk on Memorial Day, May 25, raising awareness of veteran suicide. This was the 10-year anniversary of their walk to Sacramento to end veteran suicide. This year, participants met at the Veteran’s Memorial Building at 842 Front St. and walked to Capitola Beach.
I also want to remember our first responders who serve and sacrifice for our communities. This year, the week of May 10-16 was National Peace Officer Memorial Week. You may have seen flags lowered to half-staff, particularly on May 15. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officer Memorial Day.
Sadly, both peace officers and firefighters also struggle with rising rates of suicide. The Fallen Officer Foundation provides support for Santa Cruz County First Responders in times of crisis or special need; scfof.org.
Also on May 15, the Scotts Valley Exchange Club hosted their annual Blue and Gold Dinner recognizing the Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year. I was honored to participate in recognizing Scotts Valley Police Officer of the Year Aaron Roberts and Scotts Valley Firefighter of the Year Brian Green.
We are blessed in Scotts Valley to have some incredible first responders. Congratulations to Aaron and Brian for their much-deserved recognition and thank you for your service.
Donna Lind is Mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Lind, email dl***@**********ey.gov or call 831-438-4187.
