By Sarah Fleming, BA, PR Specialist
I recently had the honor of traveling to Wrightsville Beach, NC, to meet a special group of Beck Institute donors. Each year, the Iron Order Motorcycle Club, Jacksonville, NC Chapter, organizes a fundraiser for our Military and Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Fund– a special scholarship fund that Beck Institute created to provide training scholarships for clinicians who treat active duty military, veterans, and their families. This year, I was so excited to not only be on hand to speak about the work of Beck Institute, but to ride along with the group on the back of a motorcycle during the event!
The members of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club were enthusiastic about raising money to help our veterans receive better care. Many were active duty military or veterans themselves, and for several, the cause was deeply personal. The event was held in memory of club member and veteran Sgt. Cory Vickery, a warm and caring family man and friend, who by all accounts was always ready with a smile and a laugh. In the wake of his tragic death, the club members are committed to helping those who bravely serve our country get the best possible care.
To date, Beck Institute has raised over $130,000 and awarded over 350 scholarships to clinicians who treat military, veterans, and their families in community mental health centers, private practice, VAs, military hospitals, and universities in 44 states. The money raised by the Iron Order Motorcycle Club allows us to continue this important work. Their generous donation will mean that more veterans across the country will receive higher-quality care and have better outcomes. Learn more about our Military and Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Fund here.
Along with the entire Beck Institute team, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Iron Order Motorcycle Club for their generosity and service, and for involving me in such a meaningful experience, one I will never forget.