Between 400 and 500 people gathered at Ashley HomeStore in Bellefontaine for the store’s 10th annual Veterans Celebration.
Various veterans won more than $10,000 worth in prizes from the event.
“Honoring the vets is something we’re very proud of,” Dave Monnin, Sr., Ashley HomeStore in Bellefontaine founder. “It’s one small way and a touch of what (they) really deserve.”
Army veterans Sandy and Raymond Young of Bellefontaine said they found the event to be interesting.
“What they’re doing is awesome,” Sandy Young said. “They did really good this year.”
Raymond Young agreed.
“I was here a few years ago and it wasn’t this big,” he said. “It was nice to see what programs they had.”
One of the programs highlighted at the event was Awareness 22, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans who are suffering with mental health problems.
Kevin VanHoosier of Awareness 22 began by defining a veteran as “somebody who wrote a blank check to the U.S.A. for up to and including their lives.”
The number 22 in Awareness 22 represents the daily average of veterans who take their lives.
“When I came home from my deployment I got a little bit worse,” VanHoosier remembered. “I thought the world was different, but I was different. I was numb … There are thousands out there right now that feel, ‘We don’t fit in — we’re too jaded. We isolate and when we isolate the demons talk. We feel like we’re alone thing is we’re not.”
Part of the mission of Awareness 22 is “educating the communities,” he said.
“Everyday we pray for those who are struggling. “We want to help those who are now where we were then.”
Guest speaker Vic Dodds, navy veteran, said we must create a community where seeking help is normal.
“Instead of saying ‘Thank you for your service,’ say ‘Welcome home. How was it and how are you?’”
Cindy Titus, Ashley HomeStore in Bellefontaine marketing coordinator, told veterans they should always feel welcome at the store.
“We truly do thank you and we truly know how important you are,” she said to them.
When asked what her favorite aspect of the day was she said, “the veterans — there’s no question.”
“I love it,” Titus said. “It’s my passion and it’s ours (at Ashley HomeStore). We love what we do.”
Ronald Hardman Sr., retired from the air force, said overall be enjoyed the Veterans Celebration.
“It’s a good time when you get to meet with all the fighters and everything,” he said. “I enjoyed the speeches.”