Solving the veteran suicide crisis

By Sen. John Boozman

According to a 2022 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report, 17 veterans take their own life each day, on average. While the number has decreased for the past two years, even one suicide is too many. There is a lot of work to do to ensure our veterans get connected with resources to treat their mental health struggles and save lives.

Organizations across the country are creating programs to support men and women who struggle to get the mental health care they need. In recent days, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, a Rogers, Arkansas-based organization that encourages veterans to live their best life through continued service-driven initiatives, celebrated the grand opening of its Heroes Ranch at Rush Springs, strengthening its mission to help our heroes in need.

This site north of Bentonville will provide an environment for veterans to connect with nature, build relationships with others experiencing the same health challenges and foster camaraderie to ultimately demonstrate their life is worth living.

Congress has taken action to support successful veteran-serving programs by allowing the VA to harness the efforts of non-profits and community organizations that have built effective suicide prevention programs and, just as important, measuring their effectiveness. I authored this law because we need a new strategy to help those living with the invisible wounds of war.

This was a good first step and we’re continuing the momentum with a new legislative initiative to support a com-

James Harvey, age 79, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born on Saturday, July 15, 1944, to Bert and Mildred Harvey in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

A lover of old country music and oldies, James always had a tune on his lips and a rhythm in his heart. His musical tastes reflected his soul, classic, sincere, and full of sentiment. His favorite activities bore the hallmark of a man deeply connected to the earth and his surroundings. Whether it was gardening, fishing, welding, or journeying through the great outdoors, James was always at his happiest being one with nature.

Many will remember James for his exceptional culinary skills. His kitchen was a place of memories and laughter where he wove magic with his ingredients and delighted everyone with his delicious meals.

He was a man of many skills, a master craftsman who loved working with tools. His love for welding transcended a mere hobby, as he created intricate sculptures and pieces of art that graced many local establishments and homes.

Yet, beyond his hobbies and interests, what defined James was his compassionate and giving nature. He was a beacon of support to his family and friends, always willing to lend a helping hand or a word of advice. He carried an aura of generosity that spread warmth and comfort to those around him.

James’s legacy lies in the lessons he left behind, from fishing and gardening advice to demonstrating the use of tools. His art in welding, woodworking, and craftsmanship were not just skills but a legacy he passionately passed onto his sons. His teachings were not merely about the task at hand but often held deeper lessons about patience, resilience, and the beauty in the details.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Barbara Harvey.

James is survived by his three sons and daughter-in-law, Christopher Harvey of Phoenix, Arizona, Paul Harvey of Phoenix, Arizona, and Eric and Veronica Harvey of San Antonio, Texas; three siblings, Elwyn Harvey of Arizona, Lavera Templeton of Arizona, Jo Ann Hegenderfer of Arizona; three grandchildren, Vivian Harvey, Nicholas Harvey, and Paityn Harvey; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Ms. Margaret Tawana Woods, age 81, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born December 12, 1941, in Mena, Arkansas, to the late Claude Franklin Woods and Effie (Sikes) Woods.

Ms. Woods was the owner and operator of The Gazebo café, gift and ice cream shop in Mena for 25 years. She loved attending garage sales, auctions and flea markets.

Margaret is preceded in death by the father of her child; Jimmy Varner; parents, Claude and Effie Woods; sisters, Mary Jo Solomon, Delois Brown, Betty Sue Holliday, and Lonnie June Sanders.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Woods; grandson, Evan Claude Woods; nieces, Tawana Gilbert and husband David, Barbara Tabor and husband Ron, Glenda Keener, and Michelle Baker; nephew, Ricky Joe Holliday and wife Sarah; and special friends, Freddie Newbolt and Sarah Curry.

Services for Ms. Woods will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. General visitation will be held at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Pallbearers are Ricky Joe Holliday, David Gilbert, Kevin Spurgin, and Rodney Brown.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert W. Tinsley, better known as Bob. Bob was born June 19, 1937, to Dale Leroy and Helen Gladys (Wyckoff) Tinsley in Ada, Oklahoma. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Joyce. Together they raised three amazing children and played a huge role in the lives in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was known by his family es- pecially for his intelligence and readiness to share his experience and knowledge. As the family gathers to celebrate his life, we ponder the unique and fulfilling life that he led; employment from owning an auto repair business, working for NASA to his retirement from the Mena Hospital. He was the very definition of a mathematician, encouraging the grandchildren when it came to their schoolwork he often said, “It’s fun! It’s nothing in the world but a game.”

He was a jack of all trades from carpentry to metal work, many years of experience with engineering. Anytime he was met with a challenge he took initiative to do his own research and learn all aspects of any subject at hand. In recent years he was most cherished spending time with family and friends. He was widely loved by many friends. He will forever be saluted for his life’s work and will be lovingly carried in each of our hearts.

Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Melva Joyce (Phillips) Tinsley and three children: Bob and wife Laura, Bruce and wife Peggy and daughter Sheryl and husband Jim Edwards. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his seven grandchildren: Demisha, Darcy, Brandy, Bruce, Lacey, Kelley and Sandy and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother and granddaughter.

As per Bob’s wishes there will be no services.

Cremation arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.