Taking our vision to a higher level.
Our vision at Kasota Stone is to Use Natural Stone Resources to Enrich Lives and Enhance Communities. Over the years, we believe that we have consistently accomplished that vision by helping to build hospitals, universities, parks, memorials, homes, and much more. These projects have healed, educated, brought people together, and truly enhanced their surrounding communities. We are proud to have positively affected so many lives, but we knew there was more we could be doing to execute this vision at a higher level. In the essence of this, we have created a hard focus within our company to become more involved in community events, charities, and organizations that our employees are passionate about.
The most recent organization we have decided to support is Mission 22 - a volunteer organization dedicated to healing America’s veterans and their families. The name Mission 22 stands for the 20 too many American veteran lives that are lost every day to PTSD-related suicide. Through its various support and treatment programs, Mission 22 looks to address Post-Traumatic Stress, traumatic brain injuries, suicide, and many other challenges that active service members and veterans fight on a daily basis. One of their programs, “Recovery + Resiliency” focuses on veterans and their spouses – pairing fundamental wellness practices with guided education to help reframe their physical and phycological environments so that they can live happier lives with their families. Mission 22 also provides free wellness programs, gym memberships, training, and outdoor activities to veterans who may not be able to afford them. They also look to remember, honor, and raise awareness for veterans through large-scale memorials and digital initiatives. These are just a fraction of the programs that Mission 22 offers for veterans and their families, please visit their website for more information on their other programs.
The War at Home Memorial
There are memorials all over the country dedicated to fallen soldiers of nearly every major conflict in our country’s history, yet there was no memorial for those who have fallen in the war against veteran suicide. With the support of many donations, Mission 22 was finally able to build one.
The memorial is located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and has 20 steel plates with cutouts of 20 American veterans who lost their battle with Post-Traumatic Stress. These 20 men and women represent those we continue to lose to the battle here at home.
2 Wheels 2 Heal
Mission 22 hosts a number of events across the world to help raise awareness for its cause of fighting Post-Traumatic Stress and suicide. One of their events, 2 Wheels 2 Heal, brings together hundreds of bikers and veterans for live music, lunch, a silent auction, guest speakers, and a commemorative ride to honor service members. This global event takes place in five locations all at the same time – Mankato, Minnesota; Sturgis, South Dakota; Anchorage, Alaska; Madison, Wisconsin and the Yokata Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan.
Duane, one of our great stone fabricators has been a continued supporter of Mission 22 and makes for certain that he attends this event. “Supporting this cause is the least we could do for the men and women that risk their lives for us each and every day so we can enjoy our freedom. The saying ‘land of the free because of the brave' rings true! For us, Mission 22 is personal, my girlfriend’s father had very severe PTSD and other health problems from serving in the Vietnam war. To be able to be involved in a cause that directly helps brave men and women with PTSD and other challenges is beyond amazing! The fact that every cent raised goes straight to our brave men and women is awesome. This will forever be a cause that will have our support”
How to Support Mission 22
There are many ways to support Mission 22 – direct donations, events, purchasing gear, or even becoming an ambassador of their cause. Please join us in our efforts to support this organization and the brave soldiers who have given their lives so that we may live comfortably. For more information on how you can help please visit their website at mission22.com
