GASTONIA, N.C. — The 22nd of every month marks an important date for one Gaston County man.
What You Need To Know
- Kevin Evans is a U.S. Navy veteran
- He’s raising awareness about veteran suicide
- He’s a volunteer with Mission 22, a nonprofit working to prevent veteran suicides and raise awareness
Kevin Evans, who is a U.S. Navy veteran, will stand outside at the same corner every month for two hours and 22 minutes with a Mission 22 flag.
Mission 22 is nonprofit that supports veterans and their families and works to prevent veteran suicide.
The nonprofit says the number 22 comes from a 2013 VA study that found up to 22 veterans a day die by suicide.
Evans is working to change that number to zero.
“To know that people see the flag and will take the time to read it,” he said. "I’ve seen people take pictures of it, so I hope and pray they go home and Google it and see what it’s all about.”
He says he’s been out here every month since 2019. He only missed one month this past January because of the snow, saying he didn’t want to be a distraction to drivers.
Otherwise, rain or shine, you’ll see him with his flag.
He wants veterans who are struggling to know they are not alone.
“If you don’t think you have anyone in the world that cares, Mission 22 does,” he said.
Mission 22 is not a crisis organization.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs to speak to someone right away, they can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 or text 838255.