According to legion.org, "The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness."
We, residents of Statesboro, Bulloch County and surrounding areas, are fortunate to have 4 local support groups for veterans as part of that American Legion effort of helpfulness. Allow me to introduce you to these valuable and dedicated groups of individuals who give their time to support the need.
These efforts are all part of the Be The One campaign that encourages individuals to be the one to ask veterans how they are doing, listen when a veteran needs to talk, and reach out when a veteran is struggling. Learn more below.
Gary Martin, Commander, American Legion Dexter Allen Post 90 in Statesboro, shared in an announcement, "Want to grow and be part of the ‘BE the ONE’ initiative? Come by. If you need support, or can give support, this is the place to be! Spread the word! Invite anyone that would benefit from this!”
Veterans for Veterans!
"The 'Vets for Vets’ group (as it is commonly called) was started because I saw a need,” said Bobby Godwin, American Legion Dexter Allen post 90 Jr. Vice Commander Service Officer. While at the similarly named ‘’Vet2Vet’ gathering, which assists veterans with benefits, most veterans were saying it was difficult to make the mid-day meeting. As a result, ‘Veterans for Veterans’ was born in October, 2023.
The first evening meeting was well received with 13 in attendance. “We fell in line with the American Legion ‘BE THE ONE’ initiative, of helping end veterans suicide,” Godwin said. Approximately 22 veterans in our country commit suicide each day. The ‘BE THE ONE’ initiative is focused on helping reduce or ideally eliminate the loss.
To accomplish this task, Godwin said, “Veterans for Veterans offers weekly meetings, buddy checks, and the camaraderie we had in our military service. Everyone is equal, and no matter your struggles, you are never alone. You are in the company of other vets/mentors that understand the ‘silent battles’ endured. Out of this grouping, Mike Skarhus, Chaplain and Veteran, started the weight-lifting group.”
Both groups fall under the banner 501 c-19 veteran nonprofit.
Weight-Lifting Group!
Mike Skarhus started a weight training group at the YMCA that allows Veterans to confront their problems and utilize Christian principles to heal.
Skarhus said, “It is crucial to find the appropriate location to deal with personal struggles. Our group is open to everyone without discrimination or bias.”
Vet2Vet!
The ‘Vet2Vet’ local group has been meeting for about 9 years in Statesboro. ‘Vet2Vet’ is a 501c-3 nonprofit status. Their meetings provide a place for Veterans and First Responders to gather in a safe, non-judgmental environment and share experiences. Developing long-lasting friendships and shared military experiences is their goal in this ‘Peer to Peer’ environment. They meet every Thursday at 1pm at First Baptist Church Statesboro, though the group has no religious affiliation.
“It grew out of a 12 week PTSD group therapy project at the local VA Clinic," said Ken Johnson, professional counselor. “I was reluctant to attend at first and didn't want anyone to know how badly PTSD (Vietnam ‘68-’69) had messed with my head, my emotions and my personal life. It was frankly embarrassing. Being part of this group has been one of the best experiences of my life.”
For more information on the Vet2Vet group, contact George Cutright or Angel Coughlin at [email protected].
Fight the War Within Foundation!
Finally, “Fight the War Within" focuses on serving Military Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and even those who do not work in these fields. Service is offered regardless of discharge status, war, or circumstance. The foundation provides mental health resources connections.
“Our goal is to give those struggling with ‘internal wars' the hope of another tomorrow,” said Miranda Briggs, Founder and President. Briggs added, “I started this ‘Foundation’ after losing our family's hero to suicide in 2018. My world stopped; the level of shock experienced was earth-shattering. Nothing made sense for me. How could this happen? If I had 5 more minutes, I could tell him ‘He mattered!”
"Fight the War Within” is based in Rincon, GA, and services Statesboro, Bulloch County, and surrounding areas. A nonprofit, 501-c3 organization, it is 100% volunteer-staffed and relies on donations, grants, and sponsorships.
For more information about Fight the War Within, contact [email protected], or visit their Facebook page or website at fightthewarwithin.org.
We must join the Battle and ‘BE THE ONE!’ Reach out. Our veterans are not alone!
