VFW Carl Webb Post 1799 is aiming to make the VFW feel like home for its guests, with the many improvements and ideas he has put into place and those still to come. (Courtesy) 

East Texas veterans have created a network to support fellow veterans struggling with mental health challenges.

Veterans in Smith County face significant mental health challenges and require increased support. While providing this support takes time and effort, other local veterans are willing to be there for them.

A small group of citizens and organization representatives met at VFW Post 1799 Carl Web on Rhones Quarter Road on March 18 to discuss support for veterans.

The group shared testimony and personal experiences highlighting the need for collaboration, communication, and advocacy to ensure veterans receive the necessary support.

“I have not lost a lot of brothers and sisters in arms to suicide, but I have a lot of brothers and sisters in arms who knows somebody lost to suicide,” Post Chaplain Mike Howk said. “I made it my mission that I was going to make sure this VFW would flourish as a community organization out there, getting involved, being proactive, helping others.”

Howk said the VFW provides community service and a family-friendly environment.

The Veterans Suicide Prevention Task Force, previously spearheaded by the Andrews Center, has been instrumental in consolidating critical veteran support services.

Through initiatives such as distributing informational business cards listing essential resources like the 988 Veterans Crisis Line, Texas 211 Resource, and CampV, the task force aims to streamline access to assistance and prevent duplicative efforts. Interested individuals can obtain copies of these cards at CampV located at 3212 W Front St.

While Mari Gutierrez from Andrews Center expressed support for the task force, she emphasized the pivotal role veterans organizations play in effectively aiding their comrades in times of crisis.

“If a veterans group wants to pick it up and continue it, they can do a lot of good because they are the subject matter experts,” Gutierrez said.

In the absence of formal leadership for the task force, local veterans have stepped up to the plate, offering their unwavering support however they can. Retired Marine April Scarborough, owner of Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center, highlighted the efficacy of peer support, noting, “It needs to be one of us talking to them.”

Scarborough encouraged veterans to reach out to her directly during moments of crisis.

Coby Dillard is the director of UT Tyler Military and Veterans Affairs. He uses the Buddy Check system at the university to support more than 700 students. Dillard sends a form to these students, and a team of three reviews the responses and reaches out to those who may need support. He encourages civilians to adopt the same system and check on their friends and family.

“If they say they want to talk to us, we give them a call,” Dillard said. “If you just pick up the phone and say, I know these 10 veterans, I’m going to give them a call today. That’s something small where you might catch somebody on that edge.”

For those seeking assistance, Howk can be reached at 430-435-4183 and Scarborough at 903-530-4050.