To show gratitude to American Military Veterans who were willing to sacrifice their lives in order to protect our lives and freedoms, the Benton Police Department is launching the “Thank You for Your Service” initiative this month.
“Throughout the month of November our Officers are encouraged to visit the veterans throughout our community and thank them for their service. It is because of our veterans that we have the freedoms and opportunities to live and raise our families in this great country”, said Chief Scotty Hodges.
BNPD officers and staff will utilize this initiative by identifying and meeting with veterans in the community. Citizens can assist in the “Thank You for Your Service” initiative by informing the BNPD of a veteran to be profiled on our social media sites (including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) or to simply have an officer stop by and visit. Please send contact information to mburks@bentonar.org or call Matt Burks, BNPD media specialist, at (501) 776-5948 extension 131. Citizens can also contact us about this initiative through our free official BNPD app found on the Apple and Google stores.
We encourage citizens to also engage in conversations with veterans. Together, we can learn our history and their background, while simultaneously supporting them. Unfortunately, approximately 22 percent of suicides in the U.S. are Veterans. In 2014, an average of 20 Veterans died from suicide each day (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
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