PEORIA, Ill. — 22 veterans commit suicide every day. That’s a stinging statistic. But, it was also the inspiration for a group of talented artists called VA22 –that offers help to local vets dealing with depression and PTSD through art.
VA22’s founder, Michael Ragan, tells WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, “I’ve seen a few people scared by some of the art…saying, ‘hey is this guy okay.?’…and, I’ve said are any of us okay? OK is in the middle of the word BROKEN, which is what I like to hold onto.”
Ragan originally worked with a group of 22 local veterans, dealing with PTSD and depression.
The number of vets he’s helped has now surpassed 60.
Ragan says it’s not just combat that messes with soldiers minds, there’s the separation from home, and a number of other pressures when they return to the states.
“Coming back from overseas for me was like being shot into a portal. I came back and just found myself breaking down at a kiosk up in O’Hare Airport, looking at all the stuff we have as Americans, and how spoiled we are,” Ragan said.
VA22 artists are currently being featured in their 7th annual art exhibit at the Peoria Library downtown.
For more information about VA22, click HERE.
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