Marion-West Memphis American Legionnaires team up with Memphis VA

Marion-West Memphis American Legionnaires team up with Memphis VA

Suicide Prevention Team visits homeless shelter

Special to the Evening Times The Marion-West Memphis American Legion Post 53 Legionnaires and the Memphis VA Suicide Prevention team recently visited a homeless shelter in South Memphis to show support to the residents and provide a memorable day of music and barbecue. Legionnaire Harold “Deacon” Carpenter, who won the Memphis in May barbecue contest five times brought his custom mobile barbecue grill and provided an unforgettable treat to the Veterans.

Recording Artist and Vietnam Veteran Josh Razorblade Stewart from Clarksdale, Mississippi volunteered his time and performed songs from his latest CD “Live at Ground Zero”. Volunteers from Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. provided drinks and desserts and served food to the Veterans.

Commander Jim Fiveash commented “I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than with these Veterans who have served our country but have temporarily come on hard times. This is the least we can do to show our support and let them know they are not forgotten.” Approximately 150 Veterans reside at the shelter and represent the Mid-South surrounding area including Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi.

Guest speakers, Renee Brown from Memphis VA Suicide Prevention and Commander Jim Fiveash spoke to the residents about depression and suicide while providing resource information. Ms.

Brown stressed the importance of identifying early signs of depression and provided the contact number to the Veterans Crisis Line. Commander Fiveash spoke about the mission of the American Legion and its continuing commitment in advocating for Veterans.

By Patrick Kennedy, LCSW