American Legion national commander speaks in Le Center about preventing veteran suicide

Apr. 16—LE CENTER — American Legion National Cmdr. Daniel J. Seehafer spoke on the importance of preventing veteran suicide during a stop Tuesday at Le Center Post 108.

Seehafer discussed the "Be the One" campaign to prevent suicides and shared stories of how resources can save lives.

"(It's not) a catchy little title, not a cool slogan, not even a marketing tool. When I talk about "Be the One," that is our mission," he said.

Seehafer addressed the statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide daily but that it could be more.

"Not only is a life taken, but then family and friends that that one person might know, it could be up to another 150 people that are affected. It's not just the one," he said.

Seehafer said the work that the American Legion does not only changes lives but saves them.

"You might not see it right away, but it does happen," he said. "Is it worth it? That's why I do say, 'Oh, yeah.' It's personal, very personal when it comes to life."

Collin Scott, member of the Le Center American Legion chapter, said Seehafer's presentation was relevant because many times veterans might feel left out, left behind or not relevant.

"It's the total opposite. Part of the job of the American Legion and the VFW, the two veteran organizations that I belong to, is to make sure, whether you served 30 days or whether you served 30 years, to make sure we're there to support you for your needs," he said.

"There are so many veterans out there who don't know about the services that they have earned, and it's our job to make sure they're aware of them."

Scott added that veterans can find services at groups such as the American Legion or VFW but also by becoming part of the Veteran Service Officers group.

"They have a list of all the services that are available. They're the ones who can really guide you," he said.

American Legion Department of Minnesota Cmdr. Paul Hassing said another goal for the American Legion is to get property tax relief from the Legislature for their sites.

"Because we're losing more and more of them because they just can't afford to keep the doors open because of the property taxes," he said.

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