Judie Holmes is far too familiar with the difficulties some veterans face as they reintegrate to home and community after military service. She lost her own son, Army veteran Richard E. Holmes II, in 2011, when he took his own life. It led Judie Holmes and her husband, Richard, to establish the Richard E. Holmes II Memorial Foundation Inc. to help other veterans.
The third annual Veterans Memorial Walk/Run will be presented by the foundation Saturday, May 23 at 8 a.m. at the Columbus Soccer Complex on Second Avenue and Third Street North, in downtown Columbus.
This year’s event honors the memory of Lt. Col. Melvin Rogers of Starkville. Rogers, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Veterans Administration Officer for Oktibbeha County, succumbed to suicide in February, Holmes shared.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking when we heard,” she said. ” … The tragedy underscores the urgent need for an alternative medical facility in our area for veterans.”
Assisting veterans who face issues related to anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other debilitating concerns is the focus of the Holmes Memorial Foundation. Its primary mission is to provide a safety net of mental and physical health care services for patriots, especially those waiting extended periods of time for access to veterans’ services.
“There are numerous veterans who are suffering — not only those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, but we have veterans in our area who have been suffering from PTSD from Vietnam,” said Holmes. “It’s from Vietnam to Afghanistan, and it goes from privates to colonels. It’s urgent that we provide some service for these individuals.”
The fundraising walk/run Saturday will generate proceeds to continue providing veterans’ services. A portion of the funds will also go toward establishing a facility that will house health services, both mental and physical, for veterans in a four-county area.
How to participate
Registration Saturday opens at 7 a.m.; the walk and run begins at 8 a.m. On-site registration is $15. Former Mississippi State quarterback and honorary chair of the event Tyson Lee will make a special presentation.
“We hope everyone will join us as we celebrate our heroes and honor Lt. Col. Rogers,” said Holmes. “Even if you don’t walk, come out and show support for our veterans and enjoy the camaraderie.”
For more information, contact Holmes at [email protected] or 662-889-0180.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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