On Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, I participated in the Walk from the Darkness sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Hamilton, N.J. Instead of walking I decided to march the 2 miles. I walked specifically for a post member we lost and hung his picture in the Butterfly Garden. I wore my Legion cap and a custom Be the One shirt for this event. The post had dog tags printed with the Be the One information and link on it along with the post information. Additionally, the Dial 988 Option 1 pamphlets were distributed, and I spoke to many people about the training. Rise Up Counseling wants all their employees to take the training. Turns out the rep I spoke to was a Columbia University grad. I was even able to do some Buddy Checks along the way.
Be the One and Dial 988 Option 1 are in all the footers of post distribution flyers for events.
As commander, I could not be more proud of the work Post 109 in Rutherford, N.J., and our family are doing for the campaign to Be the One.

Keith John Whiteside
Commander, Post 109