Delaware Tech takes initiative to help end Veteran Suicide
A statistic from the Department of Veteran Affairs states approximately 22 veterans commit suicide every day. As this affects the community and beyond, Delaware Technical Community College has joined organizations across the country to assist our service members who may be in need of help.
After being recognized in its second year a Military Friendly school, recognized by Victory Media, Delaware Tech kicked off this year’s fundraising for “22 in 22,” at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, where the school’s President, Dr. Mark Brainard, presented the organization with $5,000.
The campaign 22 in 22, through Stop Soldier Suicide, is a pledged challenge to run or walk 22 miles in 22 days, or a partnering task, 22 pushups, in order to raise awareness and funding for veterans struggling with mental wounds from their service.
At the event in Wilmington on Aug. 17, a college-wide fundraiser was started, allowing the public to pledge and donate money on a website that tracks the funds given through each of the Delaware Tech campuses.
Delaware Tech’s Owens Campus’ Academic Counselor for Veterans and Service Members, Robert Bates, said that along with the 22 in 22 pledge campaign, the college has also organized veteran-focused events such as The Wall That Heals and the Run White and Blue 5k.
As one of the primary counselors for veteran students on campus, Bates said he has seen firsthand what Delaware Tech has offered transitioning service members.
“Currently the veterans coming back that have been in the war zones deal with such a radical change, and all kinds of issues arise in their lives.
“Our whole idea is to assist where we can, give these organizations help in supporting these veterans in anything they need to transition easier,” said Bates.
Bates said keeping the support of veterans and active duty service members a top priority is something Delaware Tech strives to do, and that it shows in the students he advises.
Lionel Harris, a Delaware Tech student and veteran who served in the United States Air Force, explained what 22 in 22 meant to him.
“It’s a great organization and I was excited to pledge when I heard Delaware Tech was supporting it,” Harris said.
When Harris pledged to 22 in 22, he ran some of his miles in Delaware Tech’s Run White and Blue 5k on campus, in honor of the men and women he served with who had taken their own lives.
After serving in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Harris said he chose to pursue a college degree while sorting out his next steps, and Delaware Tech not only worked with him through his veteran benefits, but guided him through the education process in a way that made his civilian transition easier.
“I knew that Delaware Tech was so veteran friendly, and it’s why I chose to go here,” said Harris.
Not only is Harris now almost finished with his degree in the medical field, he is also an employee on Owens Campus in Student Services.
Delaware Tech’s connection to its community now extends even further than just to its students.
Active-duty Marine and Delaware native, Andrew Hartman was humbled to see Delaware Tech’s initiative in supporting the lives of his fellow service members.
“Coming back to my hometown, it was great to see places in the community raising awareness and bringing people together to support a cause that is so real to so many of us,” said Hartman.
Back in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Camp Lejeune, Hartman and his platoon squad have all taken the 22 in 22 pledge together, and participate in a yearly hike to raise awareness and support for the cause.
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Delaware Tech’s President, Dr. Mark Brainard presenting 22 in 22 with a check for $5,000 raised by Delaware Tech on Aug. 17 to support the fight to end veteran suicide. Photo provided by dtcc.edu