Top 5 Veterans News: Oct. 23, 2017

We encourage you to browse our list so that you can take what you want and keep what you need.

1. A long walk for veterans: Former soldier trekking to four corners of lower 48 to call attention to PTSD, suicide. Eli Smith, an Army veteran from Ohio, is taking a long walk to call attention to the plight of veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. “I lost a few friends that I served with to PTSD and suicide, and I wanted to do something about it,” said Smith, 37, as he prepared to leave Port Townsend on Friday.
2. Families of 4 veterans receive state’s Medal of Liberty. The families of four veterans who died in Vietnam, World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom accepted the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty on their behalf at Town Hall on Saturday morning. “There are so many from our wars who dropped out of high school to fight in our wars,” State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli said before presenting the awards.
3. Louisiana launches business startup program for veterans. Louisiana has created a program for veterans, aimed at helping them start their own businesses. The Louisiana Veteran Entrepreneurship Program opened its inaugural boot camp Tuesday with 19 people in Baton Rouge. An estimated 108 veterans are expected to participate in the first year.
4. Lincoln Museum plans special events on Veterans Day. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is planning to honor the nation’s military on Veterans Day. In a news release, the library says that on Veterans Day — Nov. 11 — admission will be free to military personnel, veterans and families who have lost loved ones in combat. Inside the museum, former Navy Admiral Nils Thunman will give a talk.
5. New York moves to help veterans become farmers. New York is lending a helping hand to veterans who want to become farmers. The state has unveiled a new grant program that helps former military service members buy and improve farm equipment.