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The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30 marked a historic milestone at its 20th annual Veterans Outreach and Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, celebrating zero veteran suicides in Baxter County this year while honoring those who served.
The achievement stands in stark contrast to statewide trends. Arkansas recorded approximately 547 suicide deaths in 2022, with about 18 suicides per 100,000 people. The success in Baxter County, which has historically struggled with the state’s highest suicide rate, represents years of sustained community outreach efforts.
The picnic at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home drew hundreds of veterans and their families for an afternoon of food, fellowship and entertainment.
The event opened with a prayer from Matt Shimmel of the Mountain Home Flyers Wrestling Club, who asked for healing for those bearing “invisible wounds of battle” and recognized families who “stood beside them sacrificing in quiet ways that often go unseen.”
Mary Walker, a local veteran, emphasized the extensive community effort behind the event as she addressed the crowd.
“I think we need to give a big thank you for all the people here working, because without them, this would not happen. They have been working on this picnic since May,” Walker said.
Walker directed attendees’ attention to the event’s sponsors, noting the comprehensive support from local businesses.
“There is a banner over there. Every single item you’re going to eat today, every single drink you’re going to drink today. And all the grills have been donated,” she said. “Take a look at all of the people who support the veterans. And make sure you thank them when you see them. This is an expensive project, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
The Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps presented colors during the national anthem, performed by Penny Lane, while the honor guard maintained a solemn presence throughout the ceremony.
Entertainment came from Bad Habit, a Little Rock band that Walker was proud to introduce to the crowd.
“It’s my privilege today to introduce our band. Bad Habit is a group of young men from Little Rock who’ve been playing together for years,” Walker said. “For the last two years, they have been voted the best musicians in the state of Arkansas. We are privileged to have them with us this morning.”
Walker noted the band’s continued community service throughout the day: “Those of you going to the Arktoberfest downtown, we’ll see them perform there from three to five.”
Dr. George Wolford offered a second blessing during the event, asking attendees to remain “mindful of those who gave their lives” for the “honor, glory and freedom that we enjoy.”
After the opening ceremonies, DAV Commander Dan Hall, who had been released from the hospital just hours before the picnic, confirmed the remarkable achievement in veteran suicide prevention.
“We’re still at zero for veteran suicides this year,” Hall said in an interview, though he noted that Baxter County has recorded 11 total suicides among the general population. “That’s way too many, but that’s not veterans. Regular, all others. Veterans so far with zero.”
When asked about his message to the public about supporting veterans, Hall expressed deep gratitude.
“We just appreciate this,” he said. “This community is so awesome. Every year, it gets bigger and better. The support that we get here, it translates into really good care for veterans.”
Hall invited the public to witness the transformation in veteran care that has occurred over the past six years.
“If you want to witness the kind of care we have now over the last six years, all the work we’ve done to bring community care to the veterans, well, they don’t have to go to Little Rock for a 10-minute appointment,” he said. “We get most of it done here.”
Hall specifically commended the care he received at Baxter Regional Medical Center, describing the improvement in veteran care throughout the community as “really, really important.”
The annual picnic has grown from modest beginnings at Hickory Park to become a cornerstone event in the community’s veteran support network, now requiring the larger venue at ASU-Mountain Home to accommodate the expanding attendance.
As veterans and their families enjoyed the food, music and camaraderie on Saturday, the event served as both a celebration of service and a testament to what sustained community support can achieve in addressing the nation’s veteran mental health crisis.
“The service I’ve just gotten from Baxter Regional, just outstanding,” Hall said. “This whole community has really supported us.”
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