Golf scramble to benefit veterans

Save22, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide among veterans, former military personnel and first responders, will host a fundraiser golf outing on June 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Quarry Golf Course in Canton.

Save22 Vice President John Moser said the event is in its fourth year.

“Someone in our organization suggested a golf outing as a good way to raise funds,” he said. “We’re out there to raise awareness of what we do and awareness among veterans and first responders. Last year we filled a full 18 teams and had support from many individuals and businesses. We hope to make it even bigger this year.”

The group also offers an awareness hike the first weekend in May each year. This year’s hike was held in Massillon, where the group will return in 2025.

“It’s a very visible event,” Moser said. “Thanks to the efforts of Save22, that first week in May is designated Veterans and First Responders Suicide Prevention Awareness Week in Ohio. That’s why we have the hike that weekend every year.”

Registration is online at save22.perfectgolfevent.com. The cost for the outing is $125 per person and includes golf, a cart and a meal after the scramble. Other participation levels and sponsorship opportunities also are available at the registration site.

Save22 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans, active personnel and first responders avoid suicide. Each day 16 or more veterans and first responders take their own life. Moser is a veteran who has struggled with memories of his own experiences and said the group’s operating mission is “If you’re struggling, let’s talk about it.”

“We work through peer recovery. None of us is a certified counselor. Sometimes it’s as simple as just being there for a phone call or hanging out for a bit, listening. It’s not just PTSD,” Moser said. “Sometimes you’re just struggling to find a job or to get back into society. We do what we can to help veterans and first responders who are struggling to get back on their feet.

“Something to keep in mind is that no matter what you might be struggling with, no matter how you feel, someone in our group has been there or knows someone who has. The stories people have are very similar. You’re never alone in what you’re experiencing. Someone has struggled with the same thing, and there’s someone you can talk to about it who might understand firsthand.”

Vets in need might not be easy to reach or easily identified. According to Save22, more than half of those who take their own lives have no record of previous mental illness, making the need to identify those in need of help more urgent. Suicide is the second most common cause of death among veterans, and the suicide rate for veterans has nearly doubled since 2006.

“We are all about raising awareness of our organization and what we do,” Moser said. “Our golf outing may be a little different from some others, but our focus is on helping people become aware of the work we do to help veterans and first responders to heal.”

Quarry Golf Course is at 5650 Quarry Lake Drive in Canton. Learn more about Save22 at www.save22.vet.

“It’s a beautiful course, and it will be a beautiful day of golf,” Moser said.