By Janet Cruz

Suicide is a problem among individuals in Mohave County, particularly among veterans who often suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder( PTSD).  One organization is hoping to spread suicide awareness and change those statistics one ball game at a time.

“Our purpose is to combat mental health issues by getting veterans together to create the camaraderie in playing on a team. They are all used to being in the service so this creates camaraderie. We also want to combat the homelessness effecting many veterans today,” said Ashleigh Harris, Vice President of Band of Brothers of Lake Havasu City Chapter.

This Saturday, Echo Vets Band Of Brothers Baseball Team that consists of veterans will host opening day at the SARA Park Ball Fields. The team encourages veterans of all abilities and skill levels to come play with the Echo Vets Baseball Team. The Arizona team will play against the California chapter.

The Echo Vets Band Of Brothers is an organization also committed to not ony prevention, but community service and fundraising efforts.

“We love to have the support of our community and any game they would like to attend and we even have a team for Civilians. We call it our supporter team,” Harris said.

Submitted photo

The organization will be selling Echo Vets Band of Brothers T-shirts at the event with all the proceeds to go back into the organization to keep all participants playing ball.

Opening day will take place on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m., at the lower park ball fields at SARA Park. If you are a veteran interested in playing call 805-757-8223.

A special meet and greet with the players  from the California chapter is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rotary Beach Saturday as well. There will be pizza and pre-game activities at the meet and greet.

The organization plans to add a riding club for motorcycle enthusiasts and other sports in the near future.

For more information on the nonprofit, visit www.echovets.org.