Girl Scout Ambassador Rachel earned the Gold Award, the highest honor and achievement in Girl Scouting, by completing a service project she titled, “Veterans Awareness Day.” Rachel hosted a public event at VFW Post 4411 in Franklin, Virginia with the mission of connecting the community with resources that they can utilize to assist friends and loved ones as they overcome the effects of traumas related to military service.
She said, “My granddad is a veteran and I know many veterans are suffering due to the traumatic effects of war. Veterans and their families and friends may be too proud, angry, or hurt to seek help. Sometimes they just do not know where to go for help.”
Rachel invited guest speakers from the community to acknowledge and share information about mental health crises affecting veterans such as PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Volunteers from VFW Post 4411 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also in Franklin, helped make the event a success. She also designed and produced handouts, magnets, and business cards with hotline and support group information for guests to take home and share with others after the event.
Congratulations, Rachel!
7/6/2023: Rachel was featured in a story from The Tidewater News about the Girl Scout Gold Award.
