Event Honors Memory Of Local Soldier

The family of the late SPC Jordan Tyler McDaniel, a U.S. Army Veteran who passed away on June 7, 2015, recently held a balloon release and virtual walk at Greenlawn Cemetery in his memory. The event was held in June in recognition from National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder month from which McDaniel suffered. A prayer was given by McDaniel’s grandfather Terry Morris. His mother, Paula McDaniel Jackson, released 22 red balloons. After that, those in attendance participated in a virtual walk that was done in conjunction with “22 Too Many.” “22 Too Many is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cares deeply and passionately about our nations veterans and their families. Through athletic events, we seek to serve as a living memorial, reduce the stigma by increasing public knowledge and awareness of PTS, share helpful resources, and provide support and comfort to the grieving families left behind,” according to their website, www.22toomany.com. A report from the Department of Veterans Affairs released in 2012 states that approximately 22 veterans a day take their own lives. Pictured are left to right, front row Keaira Watts, Ashlynn Watts, Serria McDaniel, Mason Jackson, Colton Locklear, Gabby Locklear; (2nd row), Terry Morris, David McDaniel, Paula Jackson, Janice Morris, Dana Locklear, Conner Locklear; (3rd row) Corey Humphrey, Brad Jackson, Karen Price, Sydney Price, Keith McDaniel. (Photo by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon Herald)