The Green Horse, Veteran Suicide Prevention

 

September 14, 2022

By Sabrina Lemons

Service Officer & Chaplain VFW Post 4925

Joint Operation Mariposa came to Roundup on September 6. 2022, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4925; greeted by Service Officer & Chaplain Sabrina Lemons of VFW Post 4925. Sabrina Lemons is also a Member of the Marine Corps League Detachment, Walt Pfister Post 903, here in Roundup. Picchioni's IGA was again kind enough to support the VFW to share the message and help start the conversation about suicide prevention.

National Archives Artist Dave Williams Painted The Green Horse, Leader of the Herd as part of his tribute to Veterans. The Green Horse specifically is in honor of Green Star Veterans and Families; people touched by suicide of a Veteran or Service member. The protective covering has a stenciled image of a service member and the number 22 on the facing side there is a stenciled image of a Native American with the number 19. The numbers represent the successful completion of suicide by Native People and Military Service Members. The Truck transporting The Green Horse has a special wrap that depicts more of the Herd, signatures of Veterans, Law Enforcement and First Responders. In recent years Roundup too has been no stranger to suicide within the confines of our community. Any loss of life is sad, but the aftermath is devastating. Veterans, Law Enforcement and First Responders were invited to sign the truck at each location, some officers were not allowed to sign the truck while on duty, while other communities fully embraced the opportunity to support a worthy cause that supports healing in the community and mitigates the harm to individuals or first responders called out to violent suicide attempts. Check local law enforcement web pages for photos of the event.

Heather Allen, Quartermaster & Adjutant of Horse Plains VFW Post 3596 is also the Vice President of the Joint Operation Mariposa started driving with Dave Williams, artist from Montana to the start of their cross-country drive beginning in Wenatchee, Washington state which will culminate in Washington, DC. The Green Horse Painting will be on display at the Lincoln Memorial, then will either be displayed in the Halls of Congress or become part of the National Art Archives, where it will be preserved, protected, and displayed in various museums.

While at the various locations everyday folks are invited to sign the back of the painting at their respective locations placing a Green Star next to the name of their Veteran Family member lost to suicide, as well as sign the log book as memorial to their presence and support of preventing suicide among Veterans as well as any member of our communities at home and abroad.

Here in Roundup Marcy and Weston Brookie took some time to sign the back of the painting, the log book, and to talk to Dave Williams for insights on how to help Veterans adjust to coming home or finding that next step. The funds raised will be used to support current and future Joint Operations Mariposa Projects. The next project on the slate is a Water Feature that is Weeping Willow Tree constructed of copper. The final destination of the Weeping Willow will be Clark Fork Valley Hospital's nursing home. https://www.jointoperationmariposa.org/weeping-willow/

Many are aware of The Code Talkers who served in the military during World War II (WWII) and they were more than pivotal in the success of the U.S.A. and our allies in defeating Japan and the Axis Powers of Nazi Germany. Just as Native Americans continue to deal with the impact of history, Veterans too are dealing with the impact of history and the government's slow response to care of Veterans after they've honorably served their country. Most Veterans of Korea, Vietnam, Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt, Grenada, Beirut, Tripoli, Haiti, Panama, Kosovo, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and several other military actions have not received the same support as those who served in WW II and it important whether serving during what society sees as peace time or time of war, that we continue to support our Veterans who came home wounded, ill, or injured as a result of their military service.

Judging a book by its cover is not a way to determine the impact of one's service on the Veteran; not all scars are visible. Many people say 'why reinvent the wheel' ...My answer to the naysayers is "If the wheel had not been "reinvented" many times we all would have stone tires on our cars, trucks, tractors, bikes, and motorcycles." If the old system is not working there has to be a better way of bringing about positive change and improving our communities and this starts by honoring, respecting, and supporting those who have protected and defended our rights and ability to live in a free society.

To reach out in support of JOM or follow their journey make contact and find out what's next. https://www.facebook.com/JointOperationMariposa/ http://www.jointoperationmariposa.orgJoint Operation Mariposa is a registered 501c(3) Veterans Outreach Organization located in Plains, MT. Their mission is to bring basic services and quality referrals to the under-represented Veteran communities throughout northwest Montana. A major effort includes identifying and developing Community-based projects designed to bring Veterans together and foster Vet-to-Vet interactions. Through art, education, and therapy, JOM leaves no one behind. Dave Williams, Artist, The Green Horse said, "We Veterans hide really well when we take off our uniforms but we are still here, we are in every community and the lives of the men and women who served with us matter. I hope that this journey demonstrates our commitment to those who are struggling and gives us this rare opportunity to show our communities who we are and our commitments to them as well."

 

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