Beth Taylor came up to the podium at the American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert and said, “I would like 22 people to stand up, call up your numbers.”

People began to rise one by one.

That number represents how many veterans take their lives on daily basis.

When the last person stood, Taylor said, “That is what 22 people look like, look around.”

And everyone did just that, absorbing the reality of what they all stood for.

Taylor, co-chair and speaker for the Be the One event, auxiliary member and Riders secretary, is also the wife of retired combat veteran, Zacheriah Taylor Cpl U.S. Army. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Taylors, of Palmerton, have been working together on this event since its infancy. They bring awareness by having raised 462 dog tags to illustrate all the lives lost near and far.

Beth Taylor said, “462 is everything from Sept. 1 to Sept. 2.”

Family and friends remembered loved ones and brought awareness to the issue of veteran suicide at the recent “Be the One” benefit.

The family event brought vendors, donations, music, food, games, raffles and stories of people.

Families talked about mourning the loss of their loved ones and have braved on a life without them, and did so with the support of this community.

Beth Taylor said after the event, “It’s important for me because I have seen the effects of war firsthand.”

Growing up she said she had a family member who suffered from Post-traumatic stress disorder and had health issues because of Agent Orange.

“I used to think how horrible this was for his generation. Then his generation became our generation when 9/11 happened. I watched my friends go and come. Many not returning the same person they were when they left.”

Taylor reminded everyone that there is hope, even if you’re not a veteran, there are resources available whether it be through the VA, the suicide hotline, St. Luke’s, or Lehigh Valley.

Taylor said, “I have seen too much and already lost too many to war and suicide.”

During the event, heartfelt stories were told by many, public and private.

One survivor reluctantly shared her story on mourning the loss of her husband and how it continues to impact her. Despite their loss, she chose to support others through it.

Another speaker of the day, Everett Shaver, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Retired, Post Commander of the American Legion and co-chair, talked about his own experiences with loss from suicide, and what “ Be the One” means.

Shaver said, “If we all save one, collectively. We will save thousands.

“It has been called a campaign, a slogan, a phrase, an initiative none of these words appropriately reflect what ‘Be the One’ is to the American Legion, it is a mission; we can accomplish this mission by destigmatizing the issue of mental health.”

It takes courage to ask for help, Shaver said, “But through our ‘Buddy Check’ outreach programs, the American Legion does not sit back and wait to be asked, we take a proactive approach and ask veterans if they’re OK.”

Equally important is “listening,” Shaver said. “The goal is to affirmatively and compassionately engage with a veteran. Pay attention to their responses, body language and other signs.”

Shaver provided steps to help a veteran.

If the veteran is struggling or in crisis, encourage him or her to call or even text the 988 crisis line.

For better outcomes, watch the veteran make the call, rather than trusting that he or she will do it at a later time.

Follow up with a veteran, and ensure that he or she connects with needed resources. Communicate with family members and friends of the veteran, so they can be vigilant and be supportive.

“Everyone can be the one, and help reduce the veterans loss to suicide,” Shaver said.

Oftentimes these aids are unknown to people struggling. Many who feel alone, and without a home.

Glen Lippincott U.S. Army draftee, combat vet, wounded warrior who received a Purple Heart, represents The Valor Clinic Foundation who help veterans get back on track, and find a place to call their own.

For the latest on “Be the One” visit www.betheone.org