I wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming event that will be taking place on Veterans Day that is held to honor the service and show appreciation of area veterans and active duty military.

A free Veteran’s Day Breakfast will be served on Monday, November 11th, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Brainerd American Legion. The breakfast will feature a presentation by 40-year-old Army veteran, husband and father, Scott Hall of Baxter who has battled post-traumatic stress disorder ever since his tour of duty in Afghanistan ended. Hall will speak about veterans’ suicide, mental health, PTSD, anxiety and how veterans who need help can find resources. The breakfast is co-sponsored by Smiles for Jake and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, the breakfast is open to all area veteran’s and active duty military.

An email that I received from CRMC said that the number of veterans who die by suicide has gone from 22 a day to 17 per day in the latest Veterans Affairs report. Smiles for Jake supports the men and women in our military and our veteran population.

“Smiles for Jake looks at all demographics of the population to help provide resources and uplift to decrease the overall suicide rate” said Eryk Haapajoki, a Smile Advocate with Smiles for Jake. CRMC has made improving mental health of the residents it serves a priority with the goal of decreasing the number of adults who report poor mental health. CRMC is co-sponsoring the breakfast as one of the many community organizations working together to improve mental health in Crow Wing County. “CRMC is committed to supporting the brave men and women of who fought for our freedoms,” said CRMC CEO Kyle Bauer. “This breakfast is a small way we can appreciate the sacrifices they made and show our gratitude”.

Reservations are REQUIRED, so if you’d like to attend, please call the Brainerd American Legion (located at 708 Front Street in Brainerd) at 218-829-2249.

Salute to all the veterans.  We thank you, we appreciate you and we love you!  You have our community’s respect!