CODY, DAMIAN, NICOLE…and 20 others. Twenty-three military veterans recognized, honored, remembered during a 23-hour vigil beginning at noon Sunday and ending at 11 a.m. Monday. Twenty-three, because 22 veterans and one active military duty member, on average, lose their lives via suicide in this country every single day. The average age is 59 ½. Twenty-three because the veterans’ support group Operation: 23 to 0, southern Minnesota chapter, organized this event at the Rice County courthouse in Faribault.
That organization aims to reduce the number of deaths by suicide via providing a network of support and by raising awareness. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran who suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, I fully understand the need, the cause. This resonates with me on a personal level.
Because of that and because I care, I stopped by late Sunday afternoon to pay my respects and to show my support for Operation: 23 to 0 and for the veterans holding vigil. Those included Kirk Mansfield of Faribault, whom I’ve come to know through the years as an incredibly caring and compassionate individual dedicated to helping veterans. Mansfield is quick to point out that this is a team effort, that it takes a whole network of people, including the American Legion family, to make a difference.
He shared stories of a struggling young veteran in Iowa who needed a place to live, of a pregnant woman who lost her partner (a veteran) to suicide and who brought her now young daughter to the vigil in Faribault. He mentioned, too, a young veteran he was expecting later. Someone who is struggling.
As I stood next to Kirk, the cold November wind sweeping up the hill, chilling me, and darkness descending, I saw the light of hope. That comes across not only in this vigil, but also in a message posted between stones honoring branches of the military. The poster reads: “If you are looking for a sign to NOT kill yourself today—This is it. You are loved. You do belong. You are worthy.” What a powerful message of hope.
On this Veterans Day, when we honor all who served our country in the military, those caring words matter. They matter because people (whether veterans or not) are struggling. Perhaps struggling with finances, relationships, mental health or any myriad of issues that create feelings of hopelessness.
Each pair of boots placed at the Rice County Veterans Memorial or at the foot of the courthouse steps represents someone who loved and was loved, but who now is among the twenty-three.
Operation: 23 to 0 is dedicated to being there. To listening. To supporting. To networking. To doing. To raising awareness. I see that. And I am grateful.
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FYI: If you or someone you love is feeling hopeless, know that someone wants to help you. Talk to a friend, family member, professional. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about Operation: 23 to 0, which is based in Stillwater and has three chapters in Minnesota. You are loved.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
As a vet, I thank you for this thoughtful post.
You are welcome, Douglas. And thank you for doing your part in service to our country.
Audrey, thank you for sharing. This is a very touching story and a great call to action by all. Kyle
Kyle Paulson, Membership Director
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce
You are welcome, Kyle. Sharing this is one way I can help raise awareness.
Audrey, do you have a FaceBook page? I would love to share this story if that would be oaky with you, Kyle.
Kyle Paulson, Membership Director
Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce
No, I’m not on Facebook, Kyle. But feel free to share a link to this post on your Facebook page.
I was just thinking about my loved one the other day. He comes to mind on a pretty regular basis and there are times throughout the year that I think of him more and his service. We are active members with the veteran service clubs here. I can just tell when one of them needs a little extra space, sharing my smile, striking up a conversation, just a kind word, holding the door open, offering assistance, etc. The best is sharing a bar stool, having a cold drink, and just laughing out loud (it just feels good). Strangers are just people we have not meet yet, right. I love when they share their stories and their adventures and just let you in a little bit. I have meet bombardiers, paratroopers, medics, etc. Enjoy your day and thanks so much for sharing your post with your readers today. 🙂
Renee, this helps so much, to take the time to listen and hear their stories. Thank you for doing that. You have a kind and compassionate heart.
thank you for sharing this, Audrey. it brought me to tears, and I know it will for others as well. this needs to be kept in the public eye and not fade into the background. these soldiers continue to fight their personal battle even after their battle in the military is over. heroes all, and we need to thank them by supporting them with whatever they need, for all they have sacrificed for us.
You are welcome, Beth. And you are correct that we need to support our veterans with whatever they need. And that starts with listening.
This sounds like an amazing “ministry” and I’m grateful it exists. We need it.
I really like your terming this a “ministry,” because it truly is that.
I Thank you all. I am the son, nephew, uncle and cousin of of other veterans. I grew up on army and air force bases and would go on to serve on Naval and Marine Bases. I tend to agree with Cravesadventure. I will often go to a local VFW for a cold one. One of the most unsung “heroes” to me, are the families who wait. The fictional stories like “Saving Private Ryan” are sad but “movie magic”. In that story is Hope (we all want hope). However, there is a true story about the Sullivans and that story is about a family’s sacrifice and devastation. The Sullivan family had 5 sons, who joined the Navy during WWII. All 5 brothers perished when their ship, USS Juneau, was sunk.
Oh, Gunny, to read about the Sullivan family losing five sons simultaneously breaks my heart. Thank you for caring and for sharing.