Couple raises money for veteran billboard

MONTEZUMA — Getting the message out about making a difference in the lives of veterans is something a Montezuma couple has taken to heart.

Gary Quinlan, the American Legion 5th District Commander, and his wife, Tammi, the 5th District Auxiliary President, are raising funds to have a Be the One billboard placed along I-80.

Be the One is an American Legion movement to end the stigma of veterans asking for help. Estimates place veteran and service member suicides at 17-22 a day.

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“That’s more than 6,000 annually,” says Be the One outreach. “The rate of suicide for veterans is more than 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults. As the Global War on Terrorism continues, there will be more veterans facing mental-health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.”

“Veteran suicide is an epidemic,” said Tammi.

The couple started the project last year and is working to raise $25,000 to place the billboard along I-80 somewhere between Newton and Victor. It will be in place for one year.

As district commander and district auxiliary president, the Quinlans have been asked to tackle a project that helps veterans or a veteran’s organization. The Be the One billboard project is something the couple felt would make a difference in the lives of veterans.

“This is something we are doing together,” said Gary.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, the Deep River American Legion Auxiliary held a harvest luncheon to raise awareness of the issue of veteran suicide and to raise funds for the Quinlan’s project.

The Quinlans, who reside in Montezuma, are members of the Deep River American Legion and Auxiliary Post 296. About 80 people enjoyed a meal of sliced pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll and dessert.

Kim Dixon, American Legion Auxiliary Department of Iowa Vice President, made the trip from Oskaloosa to Deep River to support the Quinlan’s billboard project.

“Be the One was started by the American Legion to raise awareness and prevention of suicide,” said Dixon.

“It has become a project of the entire American Legion family. They chose the Be the One name because as members are asked to reach out to someone who we haven’t seen in a few days. It’s a veteran’s buddy check outreach.”

“It’s a fantastic project,” added Dixon of the Quinlan’s efforts. “There are a lot of people who drive I-80 and it is going to raise awareness of veteran suicide. One veteran lost is too many.”

Tammi said the goal is to raise the money by June 30, 2025.

Plans are in the works to hold a big fundraiser with music and food next spring to give the project a final push.

Tammi said if there are funds left over, plans are to place smaller Be the One signage around the county and area.

“It can be difficult to address the hard stuff,” said Jacki Bolen, a member of the Deep River American Legion Auxiliary and past president of the 5th District.

“I’m proud of them for doing their best to get the word out to struggling veterans. This billboard will serve as a great reminder that there is help available. If one life is saved, it will be worth its weight in gold.”

“Drawing attention to veterans suicide through the Be the One effort is critical,” said Ed Evans, Adjutant of the Deep River American Legion Post 296, who was at the harvest luncheon.

“We needed to help our veterans who have experienced terrible events or losses that are hard to imagine unless you have been there as some of us have. Some of these veterans have gone through hell, struggle with health issues or cancer due to time spent in the military or lost a loved one. We need to help them.”

“Anything that serves a veteran is worth it,” said Tammi.

To make a donation to the Be the One billboard project, make checks payable to 5th District ALA and send them to the Quinlans at P.O. Box 512, Montezuma.