FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – The second annual Home Runs for Heroes charity softball tournament in Florence aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues among veterans.
“We’re in this to win it, but the main thing is to listen to anyone who needs to speak up,” said Michael Kirby, coach of the Warrior’s Whisper team.
Kirby said the team, which is made up of veterans, was formed to compete in the latest iteration of the tournament and mental health awareness is close to his heart.
“Everyone hears the war cry of the warrior when we go to war, but no one hears the warriors whisper to each other when they get home,” he said. “We have lost so many. I have lost several people from my unit to suicide since we got back from Iraq.”
Warrior’s Whisper was one of nine teams that competed in the non-profit Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans event.
“It’s important to take care of yourself mentally because if you don’t, it can cause any kind of reaction,” said Dr. Yolonda Holmes-Echols, founder and president of Beacon of Light. “Let’s take care of your mental health, then everything else will fall into place.”
Holmes-Echols said the organization aims to connect veterans with resources like housing and counseling, a cause many of the competitors identify with.
“If only I could change one person’s mindset, let them know they’re not alone, it was a successful tournament,” Kirby said.
