MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky. — Community members and veterans gathered at Dam Brewhaus in Marshall County Saturday for the Halfway to Pickin’ on a Soldier’s Heart event, raising money for veterans and honoring the soldiers who gave their lives in combat.
Community members and veterans gathered at Dam Brewhaus in Marshall County Saturday for the Halfway to Pickin’ on a Soldier’s Heart event, raising money for veterans and honoring the soldiers who gave their lives in combat.
The donations from the event benefit A Soldier’s Heart, a local nonprofit that serves U.S. combat veterans who suffer from PTSD or Military Sexual Trauma.
U.S. Army veteran Jeremy Wallace started the nonprofit in 2016, after experiencing the effects of PTSD firsthand and watching those around him suffer from it.
“Our unit was overseas for 15 months in Iraq. We lost one guy to combat, so we definitely want to remember him on Memorial Day. But since getting home, our unit’s lost six to suicide, so we remember those as well. That's why we, at A Soldier's Heart, do what we do,” Wallace explained.
The organization takes state-based and national veterans on retreats, designed to provide coping mechanisms for trauma and help veterans engage with like-minded individuals who share similar struggles.
Funds raised during Halfway to Pickin’ on a Soldier's Heart will go towards the nonprofit’s goal of purchasing a sailboat for the Ghost Ship Warriors sailing retreat.
Funds raised during Halfway to Pickin’ on a Soldier's Heart will go towards the nonprofit’s goal of purchasing a sailboat for the Ghost Ship Warriors sailing retreat.
“We'll fly those veterans, typically we go out of Key West, Florida … We load up on the sailboats, and we take off for a week,” Wallace said. “Just a week out away from cell phone connection and just the veterans. You know, they're the ones that's crewing the boat, raising the sails, so it's just camaraderie and teamwork and just build a network for themselves.”
Wallace said the organization hopes to raise $100,000 by July 17 to replace the sailboats they are currently using, which are at the end of their life.
“We're kind of looking to expand our sailing retreats, just because of how effective they are. Every one of them, we have veterans that say it changes their lives. So it's very important to us,” he said.
Owner of Dam Brewhaus Chase Kelley is also a veteran and sits on the A Soldier’s Heart board. He served in the Marines from 2002 to 2006.
During the event, community members honored soldiers who died in combat and veterans who lost their battle with PTSD.
“This celebration is to raise money to help other veterans so we don't have to go to more funerals or things of that nature. It's a old problem, and it's not getting any better,” he said. “The Brewhaus is pledging $1,000 today to Soldier's Heart. And we ask other businesses in the area, if you care about veterans in any way, please pledge something, donate something to Soldier's Heart so we can keep this going.”
A Soldier’s Heart works alongside other veteran organizations like the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 118 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1084.
A Soldier’s Heart works alongside other veteran organizations like the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 118. Anthony Evans works with the chapter and observed Memorial Day at the event on Saturday.
“Memorial Day Weekend, well, for me, it's especially truly important. My cousin died in Vietnam, killed in action... and then my brother served in Afghanistan two tours. So for me, personally, I retired two years ago, and I knew in my retirement plan that I was going to be a full time volunteer,” he said.
Evans said the support of community members in Marshall County makes all the difference in veterans’ lives.
“It's just a part of my personal mission, and I know it's a part of other veterans personal mission is to help our brothers and sisters out... We don't leave anyone behind,” he said. “To be here and see people coming in the community, supporting our local veterans and our local organization is just it speaks volumes to Marshall County.”
A Soldier’s Heart has its annual event, Pickin’ on a Soldier’s Heart, coming up September 12-14. To learn more about the organization, buy tickets, or donate, visit their website.
