War veteran Steven Hays shared his story at the Elks Lodge during its Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11. His life after the war, as with so many soldiers, became yet another battle. Hays, founder …
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War veteran Steven Hays shared his story at the Elks Lodge during its Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11.
His life after the war, as with so many soldiers, became yet another battle.
Hays, founder and president of Vets Lifting Vets, pointed out that America is losing more veterans to suicide than actual combat. His mission is to bring awareness and assist veterans in getting the help they need once they return from combat and attempt to resume a normal life.
“With Bridgeway we’ve secured a substantial amount of money for PTSD and substance abuse counseling,” said Hays, who struggled with both as a result of his time in the service. “We’ve also got funding for Vivitrol shots, which are $1,500 and only last 30 days.”
Bridgeway Behavior Health is an outpatient treatment center for addiction care and victims of violence.
Hays is holding a toy drive for children of veterans to help ease the burden of families who are dealing with the return from service.
“We’re focusing more on the families, too, now, so the veteran can get to treatment and not have to worry about his family’s needs being met,” said Hays. “I want to encourage veterans to seek help, whether it’s from us or someone else.”
Hays says since 1999 America has lost 6,903 veterans to combat, while a staggering 143,567 have taken their lives by suicide.
Hays’ presentation highlighted a ceremony that was filled with tributes, honoring veterans from all branches and every tour of duty.
The Wright City Trumpet Ensemble performed the “national anthem and Taps,” while Boy Scout Troop 22 led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A wreath laying was also presented by representatives of Gold Star, VFW Auxiliary 2180, Marine Corps League Auxiliary 1393 and American Legion Unit 122.
Steven Hays, a war veteran, shares his personal story at the Warrenton Elks Lodge on Veterans Day Nov. 11. Hays, a Warrenton resident, is the founder of Vets Lifting Vets. Record Photo/Derrick Forsythe.
