Augusta, GA

Augusta celebrates Veterans Day: rain or shine

Published

1 year ago

November 12, 2023

Augusta celebrates Veterans Day: rain or shine

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Rain or shine, people marched or stood on the sidelines to support our Veterans at the parade in Downtown Augusta.

“We have a saying in the army, it doesn’t rain in the army rains on the army,” said Veteran Kelvin Deveaux.

People lined the sides of the street and were happy to come out and show support, “I believe people were still out because they wanted to support the Veterans and wanted to just show their appreciation and just say thank you,” said Nzinga Blackwood, a VA Medical Nurse.

People also came out to honor those Veterans who didn’t hear ‘thank you for your service’ or ‘welcome home’ after initially serving.

Sonny Reece and his friends served in Vietnam, “We didn’t get a welcome. You got just the opposite. It took 50 years to recognize Vietnam veterans, 50 years and it felt, it felt good.”

And they say it’s important to come out today, regardless of the weather.

“We need to remember the sacrifice that those ahead of us gave. And recognize the fact that our freedom is not free. And that the service that all of these people ahead of us gave and who have followed us as we’re getting older have given is what keeps this country free and keeps our freedom,” said Charlie Brown, a Vietnam Veteran.

And remember those who have served or who are no longer with us.

“We try to come every year and remember some of the guys who we served with, and who a number of which, are no longer with us. We try to come every year to honor the veterans that were with us, and all other veterans of all the wars,” said Brown.

They say the next time you see a Veteran, ask them their story and that it’s important to hear about everyone’s experience and understand why it is important to honor our Veterans.

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Augusta, GA

Eagles QB Kenny Pickett expects to be ‘ready to go’ vs. Cowboys

Published

1 hour ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Eagles QB Kenny Pickett expects to be ‘ready to go’ vs. Cowboys | Nfl | wfxg.com

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Augusta, GA

Here’s how veterans can get mental health help at VA Augusta

Published

9 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

Here’s how veterans can get mental health help at VA Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – While the holidays can be an exciting time for people, some may experience seasonal depression.

The VA Augusta says the need for mental health resources is even more critical for those in the veteran community.

So, how can our veterans get help in Augusta?

The VA says the first step is to seek help — reaching out through the veterans’ crisis hotline or seeking help in person at one of the two VA medical centers in Augusta.

The VA says addressing mental health is more important than ever with rising suicide rates among the veteran community.

From the frontlines to the home front, the big question for many veterans coming home is what’s next.

VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator Alex Wright says he knows from experience the resources veterans need when they come off the battlefield.

“I’m a veteran myself. Deployed twice, so I know what it feels like to be a veteran and have certain needs. I get an instant piece of self-fulfillment by helping someone else in need,” said Wright.

The VA says the need is growing for mental health assistance as it’s tracking an increase in veteran suicides.

More than 6,000 veterans committed suicide in 2022.

Wright says several reasons are responsible for the high number.

“They come from a transition period. Veterans are coming directly from the military into civilian life, and also many veterans that come back play a part,” said Wright.

‘We know a person is missing at our table:’ Getting through grief during the holidays

It’s a battle they’re trying to tackle one resource at a time.

“We do a lot of clinical coordination working with other mental health providers, making sure that patients come to their appointments and have somewhere to reach out to,” said Wright.

Wright says you’re not alone, but it starts with reaching out.

“It starts with getting care for yourself and also recognizing that we all can benefit from some care and some form of facet,” he said.

The VA says according to recent data, about 17 veterans commit suicide each day.

Coordinators with the VA are urging veterans to seek out the resources provided locally.

The VA helps with more than just mental health. They also help with resources like housing through their HUD/VASH Program or food assistance.

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Augusta, GA

1 airlifted to hospital after Christmas Eve crash on I-20

Published

17 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

1 airlifted to hospital after Christmas Eve crash on I-20

CRAWFORDVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person was airlifted to the hospital on Tuesday after a crash on Interstate 20, according to officials.

According to Wilkes County Emergency Services, the crash happened in Taliaferro County at mile marker 152.

The crash involved one vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was ejected, according to officials.

“Thank you to all the public safety personnel for your help today. We couldn’t have managed this scene without you,” said the Wilkes County Emergency Services on their Facebook page.

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