Category: announcements

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announcements online events partners public education

Join SMVF Talks for Suicide Prevention Awareness: VA SAVE Training

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, SMVF Talks is hosting a special VA SAVE training to raise awareness and provide practical steps to support those at risk of suicide within the Service Member, Veteran, and Family (SMVF) community.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, September 12th

Time: 6:00 PM (EST)

Location: Online via Zoom (link and QR code below)

The session will be led by Megan Vanoli, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator with the Lexington VA. The VA SAVE training aims to help attendees recognize the signs of suicide risk, ask the right questions, and encourage life-saving help-seeking behaviors. The acronym SAVE stands for

  • Signs of suicidal thinking
  • Ask the person about suicide
  • Validate the person’s feelings
  • Encourage them to get help

This training is especially valuable for providers, professionals, and anyone interested in learning how to support the SMVF population. SMVF Talks takes place on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM EST and offers a valuable opportunity to learn from veterans and experts on topics relevant to the military community.

Please share this important information with your contacts and help raise awareness.

Zoom Meeting Details:

  • Link: Join Here
  • Meeting ID: 812 5398 2596
  • Passcode: 205582

Scan the QR Code Below to Join:

RSVP:
RSVP is not required, but appreciated. Please send an RSVP to info@biak.us.

Brought to You By:

  • Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK)
  • Kentucky Friends of Veterans

Visit http://www.biak.us for more information.

For more updates, follow SMVF Talks on Facebook: SMVF Talks/Facebook

For more information or to get help, contact:
Heath Dolen
Project Manager, SMVF Behavioral Health
Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities
Phone: (502) 782-6160
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Help spread the word to assist Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

SMVF TALKS September 2024 Flyer PDF.pdfDownload
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announcements partners public education

Veterans: Stand Together on 988 Day – “No Judgment. Just Help”

🎖️ Veterans: Stand Together on 988 Day – “No Judgment. Just Help”

This Sunday, September 8th, we unite as a nation to recognize 988 Day, a day designed to bring awareness to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a lifeline for our brothers and sisters in arms. The challenges veterans face are unique, and so is the support offered through 988, where trained responders are ready to listen, 24/7.

What’s 988?

  • 🔸 Quick & Confidential – Just dial 988, and press 1 for veteran-specific help.
  • 🔸 Immediate Support – Whether it’s PTSD, depression, or moral injury, 988 connects you with someone who understands what veterans face.
  • 🔸 No Judgment. Just Help – This lifeline is for YOU. It’s not about where you’ve been but about getting you the support you need now.

💻 Explore the Toolkit

SAMHSA has developed a powerful toolkit to help us spread the message. You can access it here: 988 Day Toolkit. Let’s flood our social media and veteran networks with this message. Every post could save a life.

🇺🇸 Kentucky Veterans: We Need Your Voice

Help us amplify this important message by using Kentucky’s 988 logo in your posts: Download Logo.

📊 Check Out the Impact

Take a moment to see how 988 is already making a difference here in Kentucky. The public-facing 988 dashboard tells the story of the lives we’re saving: View Dashboard.

Why Veterans Need 988

  • 🔹 1.5x higher suicide rate among veterans
  • 🔹 Many veterans face mental health struggles long after leaving the battlefield
  • 🔹 988 connects veterans directly to responders who understand these challenges

By sharing these resources, you’re not just spreading awareness—you’re providing lifesaving support. This is a battle we fight together. Share the message, stand up for your fellow veterans, and let them know there’s always help at 988.

Important Links:

🔗 SAMHSA 988 Day Toolkit
🔗 Kentucky 988 Dashboard

⚠️ Your Voice Saves Lives

📞 Dial 988 – Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line

Best regards,

Your DAV Chapter 55

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announcements members public education workshops

Register – QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Workshop

Empowering Communities with Suicide Prevention Skills

Join us for the DAV55 Fall 2024 Workshop Series, an enriching set of training sessions aimed at enhancing community resilience and mental health awareness. These workshops, led by the EKU Trauma and Suicide Prevention Team, provide invaluable lessons on crisis management, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care, equipping attendees with essential skills to support themselves and others in times of need.

Description: The QPR workshop equips individuals with the skills to act as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. The session covers the three critical steps of QPR: Questioning someone about suicidal thoughts, Persuading them to seek help, and Referring them to appropriate resources. Participants will learn to identify warning signs, communicate effectively, and provide crucial support to those in need, thus playing a pivotal role in preventing suicides within the community.

Date & Time:
September 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM (Potluck meal begins immediately following the monthly DAV meeting)

Location:
Madison County Veterans Center, 1215 W Main Street, Richmond, KY

Details:

  • Free
  • One Hour
  • Open to the public
  • Accompanied by a light meal
  • Evidence-based and taught by trained clinicians

Contact Information:
For more information, please email contact@dav55.org.

Registration Link:
Register Here

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Paul Mazurek

Paul Alan Mazurek serves as the Judge Advocate for DAV Chapter 55. Fun facts about Paul:

  • Retired Staff Sergeant from the Kentucky Army National Guard, dedicating 21 years of service with the 2123rd Transportation Company.
  • Deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Desert Storm during his military career.
  • Beyond his duties at DAV Chapter 55, he is the Chairman of the Madison County Veterans Committee and the coordinator and cook for the Friday Veterans Breakfast.
  • Enjoys photography, video games, and spending quality time with his granddaughter.
  • Passionate about working with the DAV to give back to his community and support fellow veterans.
  • Treasures the camaraderie and sense of family within the chapter.

Learn more about Paul and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Ben Thomas

Certainly! Here’s a revised “Meet the Team” post for Ben Thomas:

🌟 Meet Ben Thomas! 🌟

Ben Thomas is the current Chapter 55 Treasurer. Fun facts about Ben:

  • A retired USAF veteran with over 8000 hours of flying time on various manned reconnaissance platforms, with combat experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
  • Served as a subject matter expert and force manager in the A2 and A3 branches at the Pentagon.
  • Held senior executive roles at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence before transitioning to the private sector.
  • Dedicated a decade to small business consulting before focusing on volunteer work, particularly with veterans and outdoor activities.
  • Plays a vital role as treasurer and support driver for Chapter 55, providing crucial support to fellow veterans.
  • Volunteers alongside his wife at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

Learn more about Ben and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Travis Martin

Dr. Travis Martin serves as the Adjutant for the Madison County, Kentucky chapter of Disabled American Veterans. Fun facts about Dr. Martin:

  • Handles administrative duties and record-keeping with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Coordinates communications and newsletters, ensuring our members stay informed and connected.
  • Manages chapter documentation and correspondence, maintaining our records efficiently.
  • Enjoys spending time with his dogs, Bartleby and Glori, his cat, Journey, and his school of fishes.
  • Passionate about plants and gardening, as well as playing video games.
  • Always ready to assist veterans, family members, and students, offering support and guidance.

Learn more about Dr. Martin and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meetings members

August 2024: Monthly Meeting / Workshop Reminder

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Chapter 55 | Madison County, KY

Dear DAV Chapter 55 Members,

I hope this message finds you well. We have several important updates and reminders for you this month. Your active participation and engagement are vital to the success of our chapter and the support we provide to our veterans.

Monthly Meeting Reminder

Date: This Saturday, August 12th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Madison County Veterans Center

Please join us for our monthly meeting where we will discuss ongoing initiatives, upcoming events, and other important matters. Been away for a while and want to get involved? This is your chance!

Lunch & Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop

(Following the meeting, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM)

Immediately following our monthly meeting, we will be hosting a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop. This workshop is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to better support our veterans who have experienced trauma. It will be an informative and valuable session for all attendees.

Follow Us on Social Media

Stay connected and up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and member spotlights by following us on social media:

Facebook: DAV Chapter 55 Facebook
Instagram: DAV Chapter 55 Instagram

We’ve begun highlighting the volunteers and programming that make our chapter possible. Share our posts and help spread the word about the great work our chapter is doing! New featured team member and program posts go out each Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

For more information on our programs and events, visit our website.

Hope to see you Saturday. Thank you for your dedication and service.

Warm regards,

Dr. Travis L. Martin
Adjutant, DAV Chapter 55

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Mark Ledkins

Mark A. Ledkins is a seasoned professional with an impressive career spanning 28 years in the USAF Security Forces, where he has honed his skills and leadership as a Jr. Adjunct CC. Fun facts about Mark:

  • Supports the commander in chapter leadership, bringing his extensive experience to the team.
  • Actively engages with members, offering support and fostering a strong community spirit.
  • Enjoys cycling, participating in MMA, and attending concerts, reflecting his active lifestyle and passion for both physical fitness and cultural enrichment.

Learn more about Mark and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements members public education workshops

Register – TIC Workshop – Understanding Trauma and Providing Compassionate Care

Join us for the DAV55 Fall 2024 Workshop Series, an enriching set of training sessions aimed at enhancing community resilience and mental health awareness. These workshops, led by the EKU Trauma and Suicide Prevention Team, provide invaluable lessons on crisis management, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care, equipping attendees with essential skills to support themselves and others in times of need.

Description: This workshop educates participants on providing trauma-informed care, focusing on understanding the impact of trauma on mental health, recognizing symptoms, and applying supportive strategies. Attendees will learn to create safe and healing environments, ensuring their interactions are compassionate and informed by an understanding of trauma’s effects. This training is essential for fostering resilience and recovery in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Date & Time:
August 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM (Potluck meal begins immediately following the monthly DAV meeting)

Location:
Madison County Veterans Center, 1215 W Main Street, Richmond, KY

Details:

  • Free
  • One Hour
  • Open to the public
  • Accompanied by a light meal
  • Evidence-based and taught by trained clinicians

Contact Information:
For more information, please email contact@dav55.org.

Registration Link:
Register Here

Categories
announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Theresa Wilson

Theresa Wilson serves as a dedicated advocate and service officer for DAV Chapter 55, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in the United States Air Force, where she achieved the rank of E-6. Fun facts about Theresa:

  • Since retiring, she has committed herself to assisting veterans in Kentucky, dedicating thousands of hours to helping them navigate the complexities of their benefits.
  • Holds leadership roles in the American Legion and serves as Senior Vice Commander for DAV Chapter 55.
  • Earned recognition as “Service Officer of the Year” from the state DAV for her outstanding contributions.
  • Operates a rescue kennel business, caring for dogs and cats, demonstrating her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of all community members.
  • Passionate about advocacy and support for veteran benefits, leadership in veteran support programs, coordination with the state-level DAV, member recruitment and retention, and assisting in event planning.

Veterans and family members are encouraged to reach out to her for assistance.

Learn more about Theresa and our team on the Staff page.