Photo Credit to Paul Thompson Jr
"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mental Health Can’t Be an Afterthought for Our Veterans
On a recent episode of Lebanon Now’s Vet Talk, Adam Fries sat down with Missouri State Representative Melissa Schmidt to talk about veterans’ issues. While the conversation touched on legislation and tax relief, the heart of the discussion landed somewhere deeper. Mental health.
Click Video Below to Watch Full Episode
Representative Schmidt shared why veterans’ mental health is something she takes personally. With a Vietnam veteran in her family and her work on the Health and Mental Health Committee, she sees firsthand how important it is to keep veterans supported long after their service ends. Not just with words, but with real access to care and people who are paying attention.
The holidays came up for a reason. This time of year can be especially hard on veterans. Routines change. Families are busy. Loneliness can creep in. For many, the weight feels heavier than usual. It is something our community needs to be aware of, not just in December, but every day.
The message was simple and honest. No veteran should feel like they have to handle things alone. Help exists. Conversations matter. Reaching out is not weakness, it is survival.
If a veteran is struggling or in crisis, support is available right now. The VA and the 988 crisis line are there to listen and help. And sometimes, it is as simple as sitting down with someone, having a cup of coffee, and letting them talk.
Honoring veterans is not about a single holiday or a single post. It is about checking in, staying connected, and making sure they know they are seen, valued, and supported.
If you are a veteran reading this and things feel heavy, you matter. Your community has your back.
It’s going to feel more like early spring than winter this week, with warmer temperatures sticking around and plenty of chances to enjoy the outdoors. If you were hoping for a white Christmas, this won’t be the year, but the mild weather does make running errands, traveling, and getting out to local events a whole lot easier. Winter coats might get a short break, and honestly, that’s not a bad thing.
Monday
Partly sunny with some areas of low clouds. High: 59°F Low: 50°F
Tuesday
Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 69°F Low: 56°F
Wednesday
Partly sunny and warm. High: 71°F Low: 59°F
Listed are the top events for Monday. Click on any photo or description for more information. All events for Lebanon are available through the Lebanon Now app or click the Events Page Below for a full list. Thank You!
All materials will be provided. This event will be held in the library meeting rooms. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes they don't mind getting messy! Spots are limited--you must register each person attending individually.
To register for this program, visit: https://forms.gle/iHvjrVtNNGDVgDib8
All materials will be provided. This event will be held in the library meeting rooms. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes they don't mind getting messy! Spots are limited--you must register each person attending individually.
To register for this program, visit: https://forms.gle/eKZHFWtFwi2jmyL28
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