Aurora University Veterans Association to host veteran suicide awareness event

On Thursday, April 5, the Aurora University Veterans Association is hosting a keynote speaker and panel discussion to inform community members and concerned individuals about veteran suicide at 6 p.m. in the Aurora University Crimi Auditorium, 347 S. Gladstone Ave.

"My hope is the audience will leave with a deeper understanding of the issue many veterans face and learn how to help reduce the number of veterans that lose their personal battle with suicide every year," Army veteran Jonathan Birkey said. "Once the battle is over and the soldier hangs up the uniform they should not have to continue fighting."

Birkey will be the moderator of the panel discussion.

They keynote speaker for the event will be Darian G. Blanks Sr., BSW, U.S. Air Force (Ret). He knows firsthand the struggles that can lead to attempting to end one's life.

"As a two-time suicide attempt survivor, I share my story with others as a sign of hope, to get to the next day, to continue to fight, and to defy the odds and stereotypes," Blanks said. "I am an Ivy League graduate student who has learned it is possible to turn setbacks into success, and I share my philosophy with others who are suffering in order to help them."

Birkey will be joined for a panel discussion by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and joint chairman of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Taskforce for the state of Illinois; Michael Brennan, Psy. D., clinical director, Road Home Program; Sheri Gross, community outreach coordinator, Road Home Program; Wendy Meyers, mother of a fallen Marine; and Jerimy Weatherly, U.S. Army veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Tom Miller, U.S. Navy veteran, will also be in attendance representing Illinois Joining Forces.

This event is free and open to the public.