Elks Raise $22k for 22 Mohawks Vet Suicide Prevention

The statistics are alarming. More veterans die from suicide than combat, and the trend isn't slowing.  In fact, on average, more than 22 veterans die by suicide each day. 22 Mohawks, currently based in Millis but moving soon to Sharon, aims to bring that number down through direct support of veterans, particularly training and providing support dogs to those in need.

The event at the Franklin Elks Monday night was planned in advance but the 22 Mohawks leaders, Stacey Ann and Dave Campisano, had no idea of the size of the donation coming their way and were visibly overwhelmed when the figures on the check were revealed.

Mark Ellis, a key figure at the Elks for many years, recognized member Frank Liotta, who has run bingo nights for decades, noting that it was earnings from that activity that provided the funds for the donation to 22 Mohawks.

Shannon Nisbett, the town's Veteran's Services Officer, said the support from the Elks and 22 Mohawks was very crucial for area veterans and an important contribution to addressing the ongoing challenge of veteran suicides.