Slaughterville Mayor Hosting Event For Veterans' Mental Health

The mental health of veterans is a real concern. Many of them deal with depression, PTSD, and other challenges. 

Steve Easom is the mayor of Slaughterville, and he’s also a veteran. Easom said he is passionate about the mental health of veterans. 

The mayor plans to host an event Saturday to get veterans outside and connected with each other. 

“The veterans out there, on average, are losing about 22 per day to suicide, and so, we want to make an impact on that,” Easom said.

The purpose behind the event is getting veterans together to form stronger bonds among themselves.

Easom is working with a group called The Fallen Outdoors. It's a national nonprofit group designed to get veterans outdoors and build military relationships. 

“I met one personally that posted on our page. He was dealing with so much that he was pretty much a hermit, he didn’t leave his house,” The Fallen Outdoors local chapter president Tyler Haley said.

After a fishing trip with Haley, the man was able to deal with his struggles and now helps others with similar problems. 

“The best way to do it is not just to take them hunting and fishing. It’s to build that relationship,” Easom said. “The relationship then brings to opportunity to talk about things that are really important.”

The day is for the entire family with meals, skeet shooting, a 3D bow shooting course with sixteen targets, a bounce house and cornhole tournament. 

“Building relationships, getting to know one another so that you can be there because people you know go through some rough times,” Easom said. 

The event is free for participants and there is no registration.

For more information, call 405.830.0151