Volunteers transport Highland County Flags for Forgotten Soldiers Display to Lynchburg
Lead Summary
By
Brian Vance-
On Sunday, Sept. 24, The Highland County Flags for Forgotten Soldiers Display made its first move. The display, which had previously spent 30 days at the Central Campus of Southern State Community College, was relocated to the grounds of the Lynchburg Area Joint Fire and Ambulance District's Station 1, located at 8123 state Route 135 in Lynchburg.
Steph Roland, president of Support Our Troops of Highland County, coordinates the display of 660 United States flags, which represent the 660 United States veterans who take their own lives each month in this country as a result of depression or complications of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The display remains at a changing location for 30 days to signify each month.
[[In-content Ad]]
Moving such a monument every 30 days requires a lot of manpower, and Roland was assisted by members of the local Support Our Troops chapter, as well as receiving much-needed help from the community. Sunday, the group was joined by Lynchburg Boy Scout Troop 120, under the direction of Scoutmaster Patsy Fauber, as well as members of the Lynchburg Fire Department with Chief Jeff Turner and Assistant Chief Jeff Stethem.
“The support that was given today to Flags for Forgotten Soldiers was simply amazing,” Roland said. “This effort is proving that ‘the power of one’ person can make a profound difference in our communities. On behalf of Support Our Troops of Highland County, I'd like to personally thank Brian and Lori Vance, Chiefs Jeff Turner and Jeff Stethem and the entire Lynchburg Joint Fire and Ambulance District and their board for kindly offering the use of their facility; Dave and Jill Fauber for their support and outreach for volunteers; Boy Scout Troop 120, as well as their Scoutmasters, parents and siblings; and Dick and Susi Barrera, who all worked very hard today.”
While this is only the first time the traveling display has moved in the county, the Support Our Troops volunteers were amazed at the level of help they received. At the inaugural site, only a small group of people were present for setup.
“The setup at the Lynchburg Fire Department went very well,” said Steve Witham, member of Support Our Troops. "The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of an epidemic that a lot of people don't want to talk about. During the setup, many people honked as they drove by and waved. A few even stopped to find out what was going on.
“Having the Lynchburg BSA there to help was great, not only for for the physical help, but who better to explain the importance of why we're doing what we are doing than the future leaders of our communities. It’s important that these young people understand the significance of what those 660 flags mean. They were very eager to help, listen and more importantly, learn. Sincerely, thank you to all who helped.”
Kathe Chaney, vice president of the group, said, "It was touching to see the kids come together with their families to help bring awareness of what these flags stand for. They understand the meaning behind it and were very respectful."
As to where the display will travel after leaving Lynchburg, Roland says she has a couple of ideas, but nothing is set in stone.
To help with the display or to volunteer, email Support Our Troops of Highland County at sotohc@yahoo.com or call (937) 763-8164. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line for Help, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
Steph Roland, president of Support Our Troops of Highland County, coordinates the display of 660 United States flags, which represent the 660 United States veterans who take their own lives each month in this country as a result of depression or complications of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The display remains at a changing location for 30 days to signify each month.
[[In-content Ad]]
Moving such a monument every 30 days requires a lot of manpower, and Roland was assisted by members of the local Support Our Troops chapter, as well as receiving much-needed help from the community. Sunday, the group was joined by Lynchburg Boy Scout Troop 120, under the direction of Scoutmaster Patsy Fauber, as well as members of the Lynchburg Fire Department with Chief Jeff Turner and Assistant Chief Jeff Stethem.
“The support that was given today to Flags for Forgotten Soldiers was simply amazing,” Roland said. “This effort is proving that ‘the power of one’ person can make a profound difference in our communities. On behalf of Support Our Troops of Highland County, I'd like to personally thank Brian and Lori Vance, Chiefs Jeff Turner and Jeff Stethem and the entire Lynchburg Joint Fire and Ambulance District and their board for kindly offering the use of their facility; Dave and Jill Fauber for their support and outreach for volunteers; Boy Scout Troop 120, as well as their Scoutmasters, parents and siblings; and Dick and Susi Barrera, who all worked very hard today.”
While this is only the first time the traveling display has moved in the county, the Support Our Troops volunteers were amazed at the level of help they received. At the inaugural site, only a small group of people were present for setup.
“The setup at the Lynchburg Fire Department went very well,” said Steve Witham, member of Support Our Troops. "The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of an epidemic that a lot of people don't want to talk about. During the setup, many people honked as they drove by and waved. A few even stopped to find out what was going on.
“Having the Lynchburg BSA there to help was great, not only for for the physical help, but who better to explain the importance of why we're doing what we are doing than the future leaders of our communities. It’s important that these young people understand the significance of what those 660 flags mean. They were very eager to help, listen and more importantly, learn. Sincerely, thank you to all who helped.”
Kathe Chaney, vice president of the group, said, "It was touching to see the kids come together with their families to help bring awareness of what these flags stand for. They understand the meaning behind it and were very respectful."
As to where the display will travel after leaving Lynchburg, Roland says she has a couple of ideas, but nothing is set in stone.
To help with the display or to volunteer, email Support Our Troops of Highland County at sotohc@yahoo.com or call (937) 763-8164. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line for Help, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.