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Veterans group asks Hickory to install '22' awareness speed signs to highlight veteran suicide
Summary
Dr. Rick Vandette asked the council to partner with Foothills Veterans Helping Veterans and local veteran organizations to install high-visibility '22' speed-limit awareness signs with a hotline to raise awareness that "22 veterans a day" commit suicide; council said staff would follow up with the group.
Dr. Rick Vandette, a Vietnam veteran who identifies himself as vice president of Vietnam Veterans of America Hickory Chapter 1136 and treasurer of Foothills Veterans Helping Veterans, presented to council on May 19 and asked the city to partner on installing 22-themed speed signs to raise awareness about veteran suicide.
Vandette described Mission 22as a national organization that highlights a figure he said represents veteran suicides recorded in VA system data. "22 veterans a day commit suicide," Vandette said, and proposed a 22 mph sign with veteran-suicide messaging, a hotline number and organizational logos; he suggested placing a prominent version in Union Square and other visible locations.
Vandette asked the council to consider placing the sign with the City of Hickory identified as a partner. Council members expressed appreciation for veterans and said staff would follow up; Mayor Hank Guess said the city would have someone get back in contact with Vandette and his group to discuss possible locations and next steps.
Vandette also described Foothills Veterans Helping Veteranscommunity work and the grouphelped more than 380 veterans at a recent stand-down event. Council signaled willingness to consider the partnership and directed staff to follow up with Vandette.
