Canandaigua Challenge 22 event aims to bring awareness and funds to prevent veteran suicide

CANANDAIGUA — Back in the day, it was referred to as shellshock or battle fatigue, according to Dave Brisbane, commandant of the Memorial Day Detachment 468 of the Marine Corps League.

“Now they call it what it is, suicide,” said Brisbane, who is one of the organizers of Challenge 22, a suicide prevention event scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at American Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua.

“This has been happening for years,” Brisbane said, adding that if suicides don’t get noticed, it’s hard to help. “It’s just now finally getting some attention.”

The Canandaigua American Legion Post and Marine Corps League Detachment are teaming up to bring awareness to the suicides being committed by service personnel and veterans — about 22 every day nationally.

The problem has been gaining attention in recent years, but more efforts are required to reduce that suicide rate, according to Jim Wicker, who also is a member of the Marine Corps League.

American Legion Post 256 and Marine Corps League Detachment 468 are teaming up for a suicide awareness event Saturday, Challenge 22. Organizers include Larry Gamba, left, John Sandle, John Cipollina, Jim Wicker and Dave Brisbane.
American Legion Post 256 and Marine Corps League Detachment 468 are teaming up for a suicide awareness event Saturday, Challenge 22. Organizers include Larry Gamba, left, John Sandle, John Cipollina, Jim Wicker and Dave Brisbane.

And in canvassing to organize for the event, Wicker said it’s been amazing how many people they’ve talked to in this community who say that suicide has touched them in some way.

But, he said, you don’t see about it; you don’t hear about it.

“Suicide is a plague that we have with veterans and service personnel that we’re trying to get a handle on and reduce the number,” Wicker said. “The number one mission of both our organizations is to take care of our fellow brothers and sisters. Suicide is something we’re not prepared to handle ourselves.”

That’s where Challenge 22 comes in.

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The goal is to raise $22,000 and all of the proceeds from the event will go to the Canandaigua VA, Warrior Salute, Equicenter and Marine Corps Coordinating Council, all local organizations that have proven programs in place to help with these problems.

Challenge 22 donations, large and small, are being accepted for organizations who help veterans and service personnel in crisis.
Challenge 22 donations, large and small, are being accepted for organizations who help veterans and service personnel in crisis.

The Canandaigua event, the first in the city although previous events were held in Shortsville, will include a posting of the colors to start the day off, then six hours of music (including an Elvis Presley impersonator), a car show, food trucks and a 2.6-mile walk through the downtown area.

Also, organizations will be at the event to discuss issues associated with suicide in general and ways they can help.

Many have donated funds, but others have contributed items for a silent auction. For instance, the American Legion Auxiliary has donated a special quilt to be raffled off.

The national American Legion also has committed to raising funds to help organizations dedicated to suicide prevention, and Legion Post Commander Larry Gamba said this community is very gracious and committed to help.

"We’re a just a small part of the pie, but we want to be in that pie,” Gamba said.

After the event is done Saturday, he invites all to come back, to learn more about how much was raised and exactly where it’s going, and to become involved next year.

“It will be specific to go toward suicide prevention,” Gamba said. “We’re making sure their dollars are being spent in the appropriate place.”

To donate

Donations can be made to Challenge 22 on the day of the event, Saturday, May 21. Several businesses and other locations have tip jars for the cause. Also, visit MCL468.com or ALNY256.com. Donations can be mailed to MCL468, PO Box 142, Canandaigua, NY — make checks payable to MCL468. Challenge 22 T-shirts will also be available at the event for $15.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Challenge 22 in Canandaigua aims to bring awareness to veteran suicide