Veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and military supporters and their families gathered this morning at HACC for the Operation Honor Rural Salute Breaking Bread with Heroes breakfast. It was an event focused on fellowship, wellness, and suicide prevention.
Speaker, Michael Schlitz, Vice President of Outreach for the Robert Irvine Foundation, shared the organization’s mission of serving those who serve our country. Schlitz spoke of Celebrity Chef Irvine who has dual citizenship, “Robert Irvine says he might be a Brit by birth, but he’s an American by choice.” “We work together through his charity to support veterans, active service members, and first responders.” Schlitz explained that the foundation’s work centers on three pillars: food, wellness, and community.
“We go around and feed veterans,” he said. “We also have a fitness program where we reunite military units. Sometimes veterans haven’t seen each other in 20 years.”
One of the morning’s most important discussions focused on veteran suicide prevention.“Veteran suicide is an epidemic,” Schlitz told attendees. “That’s why we came up with the Bad Day Plan. It’s an evidence-based, peer-to-peer method of reaching out to others.”
Participants received cards which they referred to as Bad Day Plan cards instead of Crisis Plan cards. The cards are designed to help veterans create personalized plans for difficult moments. Attendees were encouraged to identify personal triggers, coping strategies, reasons to live, and trusted people they could call or text for support. Another helpful option is calling 988. July marks the fourth year of 988 being available. Organizers suggested keeping the completed plan in a readily accessible place such as a mirror or with a gun safe, so it would be available when needed.
The light breakfast provided an opportunity for attendees to share stories, build friendships, and strengthen connections with fellow veterans and community members.
Following the breakfast, the event continued with a Family Fun Day at the Rec Park. The day was blessed with sunny skies and perfect weather. Upon registration, participants received goodie bags containing poppy seed packets and informational literature. Families enjoyed hands-on games and activities including a petting zoo, bounce house, face painting, and a mechanical bull. Attendees also visited resource tables staffed by local organizations offering services and support for veterans, military families, and first responders.
