Trojans gather on the quad to honor Alabama veterans

In honor of September being Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Troy for Troops placed 139 flags on the quad, each one representing an Alabama veteran who lost the battle to suicide.  

This is the third year Troy for Troops has placed these flags on the quad to honor veterans. 

“My husband is in the military, so this obviously means a lot to me,” said Sierra Jordan, administrative secretary of Troy for Troops.  

Jordan shared how she’s seen the battle of mental health up close coming from a military family. 

“To me personally, I come from a military family, so I see the struggle sometimes,” Jordan said. “I had a few people that my husband’s been deployed with that have lost that battle, so this means a lot, especially being a military spouse.” 

The chancellor’s office, leadership, faculty, staff and students across different organizations all gathered to place flags on the quad and pay homage to those veterans who struggled with mental health.  

“We want more awareness for veterans because I feel like they don’t get the potential that they need and deserve,” Jordan said.  

“The flags that we’re placing are for our veterans who felt like they weren’t enough after serving and sacrificing their souls for this country, so it’s very significant and they should not be forgotten. 

“Our Air Force and Army ROTC are our future leadership in the military. They're fellow soldiers to them and teammates, so it means a lot that they show up for each other.”  

Jordan emphasized just how important it is to check on our loved ones and let them know that we’re thinking of them.  

“You never know what someone’s going through,” Jordan said.  

“Sometimes, they self-isolate so they think back on the traumas of what they did and some people it haunts more than others.  

“Make sure you’re calling your family members and looking out for them because nobody should ever feel alone no matter if they’re a veteran or just a single parent.” 

Jordan wanted to let students know if they ever need someone to talk to, Troy for Troops is always available in the Trojan Center. 

“Don’t look into a bottle, if you understand that, because that’s not going to solve anybody’s problems,” Jordan said.  

“If you start feeling like you’re alone and you need somebody, you can always come by and talk to someone at Troy for Troops.”  

Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Scot Brumbelou shared his gratitude for those who gathered on the quad to remember the Alabama veterans who died by suicide.  

“It's a great initiative that raises awareness for that growing issue,” Brumbelou said.  

“It was fantastic to see the level of cooperation and participation that we have here at Troy.  

“It’s not just our military personnel, but it’s the fact that we have everyone across all organizations involved, so everyone is well represented in being what makes Troy a military friendly school.”  

Brumbelou wanted to emphasize how Troy for Troops cares about Troy’s students and hopes to make a difference in their lives.  

“One of the things that we show through Troy for Troops is that we’re dedicated to our students,” Brumbelou said.  

“It’s not just a student center that we have on campus, but it’s a promise that Troy is for the troops.  

“We want to show that we care, we’re aware of the issue and we are willing to put resources towards addressing it.” 

Brumbelou shared what this moment meant to him and what each flag symbolizes.  

“When I see these flags, each one of them is a person – a reminder of a fallen Alabama veteran who is no longer with us,” Brumbelou said.  

These flags, set up similarly to Arlington, are hoped to be a reminder to students who pass by to take care of their mental health. 

“Suicide is a permanent solution to a passing problem that can be addressed,” Brumbelou said.  

“We hope that they will see the flags, read the sign and know what is being represented here.  

“Each one of these flags will be a reminder of the heavy toll and the heavy cost of suicide.” 

Barbara Skinner, a first-year cadet, participated in placing flags for the first time and expressed what it meant to her.  

“Personally, I know mental health is a big thing that’s overlooked in the military,” Skinner said.  

“From personal experience, I know it’s not something that any of these guys are going to feel comfortable talking about, but it’s really important to recognize it because they do carry mental scars, not just physical scars. 

“Mental health is the key to everything, so if you’re not doing good mentally, you’re not doing good physically.” 

Skinner shared one thing that makes a big difference and helps those in the midst of mental health struggles.  

“It can get really isolating in the military, being apart from family, so talking to someone or calling friends or family can change everything,” Skinner said.  

“When you’re struggling mentally, you feel like you’re drowning alone, so if you can just talk to someone, you’re going to feel that companionship.  

“Being surrounded by supportive people is a big part of mental health.”  

Skinner encouraged students to check on their loved ones even if it seems like they’re doing well.  

“We just got to make sure that we’re actively seeking people out and checking on them,” Skinner said. “Even if you don’t think something's wrong, do a mental wellness check.”