American Legion Collaboration With Let’s Talk Grief™ Project and Passing of the Charms

As I shared in a previous post, I’m discussing a collaboration agreement with the American Legion and the “Let’s Talk Grief™ Project.”

I had a productive meeting with Nina McAmis, Event Planner for the American Legion Post #291 in Newport Beach. Nina liked the idea of the “Let’s Talk Grief™ Project” and offered suggestions for collaborating with the American Legion to one day provide grief workshops and gatherings at their posts.

One suggestion was to complete the “Be the One Course,” which I have done. The "Be the One" training is a 90-minute suicide prevention course developed by the “American Legion” in partnership with the “Columbia University Lighthouse Project.” It is designed to equip veterans, service members, their families, and civilians with the tools to identify suicide risks and intervene, with a specific focus on reducing veteran suicide rates. It was a great class and demonstrated how suicide and grief experience the same stigma. And that it’s time to “Break the Silence” of suicide and grief and make people feel comfortable talking about them any time, any place and with anyone.

Nina also suggested I contact Cory Vigil, the American Legion Post 291 Veterans Service Officer, and submit a proposal to speak at their “Veteran’s Coffee Talk.” Cory hosts this prominent monthly "Veterans Coffee Talk" on the first Saturday of the month (9:30–11:00 AM). It is open to all veterans (membership not required). This event provides free coffee, breakfast bites, and guest speakers to foster camaraderie and support for life after service.

While I was at the American Legion Post, I asked Nina if I could leave one of Wesley’s, Preston’s and Matt’s Charms. She said, “Yes.” I left their Charms and signed my name and signed their names in it.

If anyone in my Let’s Talk Grief™ Blog and Facebook network is connected with the American Legion or knows of someone who is an American Legion member, please share information with them about the “Let’s Talk Grief™ Project.”

If you’d like to support the “Let’s Talk Grief™ Project,” please consider making a donation on the “Let’s Talk Grief™” website's Donation Page at https://www.letstalkgrief.org/donate

A special Thank You to Gary Harber for his encouragement to reach out to the American Legion and his continued support for the “Let’s Talk Grief™ Project!”

Thank you again to all the people who have supported me on this “Let’s Talk Grief™” Journey!

Together, Let’s Break the Silence and Heal With Grace, Peace and Harmony!