Reflections on "Citizen of the Year"

To Post 68 Legion Members and Friends,

 This morning, as I enjoyed my morning walk, taking in the bright colors and listening to the myriad sounds of our Leland Community, I continued to feel somewhat dazed and humbled after yesterday evening. It was a totally unexpected honor to be selected by Mayor Bozeman as the Leland Citizen of the Year for 2025 for my work on the Legion’s Be the One (BTO) program. I am grateful and humbled beyond words to receive this recognition.

The BTO team members are an essential part of this award. You have helped direct the path of the BTO initiative, and I am very grateful for your continued support and input. Because of you--our Post members, and the BE THE ONE committee--we have started to slowly move the needle in favor of raising community awareness of Veteran Suicide. Together, we will continue to reach out to community Service providers, Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Medical partners, and other community organizations, businesses, and churches to help them, learn from them, and ask them for support.

Promoting suicide awareness and suicide prevention is not a one-person show. It takes a squad, a platoon, a company to reach its objective—been there, done that! Not a single Service Branch—neither the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, nor Coast Guard—is exclusive to this effort. All Veterans are key to get the word out. Whether you are a member of the American Legion, VFW, VVA, DAV, or other veteran organization, we need you to succeed in this effort. Thank you also to all the Grantors and Donors who helped us with Marketing Materials, and to the creators of the BETHEONECONNECTS.org link. If I missed anyone, I apologize.

 We will continue the mission started three years ago under the guidance of the National Commander of the American Legion, and with my 10-plus years of involvement in this tragedy of scars that are still hidden. We will not forget the families who have suffered from the suicide of their loved ones, as they also carry the scars.

 What does success look like? It will take a long time, extended effort, but we aim to achieve a sustained reduction in veteran suicides over time. For those who are considering suicide, I am convinced that we have helped extend a lifeline.

 Thanks again to you all for this honor–the Citizen of the Year award belongs to you as well as me. I look to your help to spread the word that suicide can be prevented. I am committed to continuing the mission, and I trust you will join me.

Sincerely,

John Hacker, Post 68 Team Lead