WHEN I CONSIDER THE TRAUMA of war, I think of my dad. A combat veteran of the Korean War, he struggled with undiagnosed depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Not until the later years of his life did he find support among other veterans. They met to share their stories, trauma and struggles. Therein he found empathy and compassion. As a child and young adult, I admittedly and sadly failed to understand the emotional pain my dad experienced. If only I had, I would have listened, given him the compassion he deserved.
Today I get it. I recognize that Dad’s time on the front lines in the mountains of Korea, where he killed the enemy and was wounded by shrapnel that would later earn him the Purple Heart, were life-changing. He returned to the farm fields of Minnesota a completely different young man than the one who sailed across the ocean to war.
Thankfully, the passing of time has brought positive change and much-needed help for our veterans, plus increased awareness. In my community, that awareness includes an “Operation: 23 to Zero Critical Overwatch” vigil at the Rice County Veterans Memorial beginning at noon on Monday, November 10, and continuing for 23 hours until Tuesday, November 11. The vigil concludes with an 11 a.m. Veterans Day program followed by a noon luncheon for veterans at American Legion Post 43 in Faribault.
I’ve attended this vigil, now in its ninth year, multiple times. Verbs like honor, cherish, reflect, help, support and encourage come to mind when I consider this event aiming to curb veteran and military suicides. That’s the core premise of this visually-impactful overwatch. Every hour at the bottom of the hour, a pair of boots is placed on the veterans memorial plaza. Those boots represent a veteran lost to suicide. Attached to the boots are names, photos and dates of the deceased. Personal. Powerful. Emotional. Each set of boots represents a soldier from the area or connected to someone from the area.
The number 23 is also intentional, reflecting the number of veterans who daily commit suicide. One active military member also does the same each day.
It’s sobering to see all those boots ringing the veterans plaza. But it’s also heartening to see the support at this vigil—to know that veterans are standing by, literally, to listen, encourage and provide resources and help to anyone who needs it. I’ve seen and felt the compassion. Overheard the conversations.
We need to keep talking. I’m grateful to the Operation: 23 to Zero Southern Minnesota Chapter for their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about suicide and to work toward suicide prevention. They listen. They care. They stand at the ready to serve those who’ve served.
FYI: If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, immediate help is available via the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Text or call that number. Or call 911. Please also seek additional professional help.
NOTE: Faribault Harley Davidson, 2704 West Airport Drive, is hosting a post Veterans Day Chili Cook Off on Saturday, November 15, with all proceeds benefiting Operation: 23 to Zero. Chili tasting costs $10 and runs from 11 am-2 pm. Prizes awarded. For more information, click here.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’m glad your community has this group. Vets need all the support they can get, especially these days. I was the only male on my dad’s side of the family who did not serve in the military.
I agree. Our veterans need to feel our support, especially now. It will be a cold watch for the Critical Overwatch participants today and overnight as temps have dipped to winter levels here in southern Minnesota.
I remember you writing about this very important and moving annual vigil and I think that while the reason for it is so incredibly sad, the fact that the vigil exists and continues to exist makes my heart happy for all who need it.
Precisely. The organizers of this event care deeply and are committed to helping and supporting.
Thank you for sharing. It is indeed sobering to learn that 23 veterans commit suicide daily. My WWII veteran father didn’t actually have combat experiences (that I know of), but he certainly witnessed the bombings and the aftermath while stationed in England. His time there made a profound impact on his approach to many things in life– and on me: I wouldn’t exist if he hadn’t met my mother there.
Thank you for sharing your personal story. And, yes, it does not take direct combat to experience challenges post war. Witnessing bombings and the aftermath would be pretty awful.
Impressive. Thanks for keeping us posted.
You’re welcome.