Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer Founder, Walking For The Forgotten May 17, 2015 phone: (503) 307-0465 Thursday, May 14, 2015, I climbed to the top of an 80 foot light pole, with an American flag. I held the flag, inverted, a sign of distress, to bring attention to the distress being felt by those veterans of recent wars who have served their country, with honor. Their distress is a consequence of the government's failure to care for those who have cared for our country and freedom. Those veterans are dying more quickly at home than they are in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are committing suicide at an average rate of 22, every single day, of every year. They are joined by an average of one active duty soldier, added to their number, every day. Recently, as a result of my activity in "Walking For The Forgotten" and "Veterans in Crisis", I was contacted by one of those veterans, First Sergeant Edwin "Alex" Cordero. He suffers from PTSD. This has resulted in the breakup of his marriage, and loss of contact with his children. This led him to contemplation of suicide, however, fortunately, he contacted me and we began a dialogue that continues, to this day. Though there was no risk to my stint on the flagpole, with the exception of the probability of arrest and charges. Much of the news coverage talked about the "risk" in what I was doing. That risk pales next to the risks that those veterans took while in combat, and their risk is even greater, once they return home. Not being a veteran, I am willing to take any risk to bring attention to the appalling treatment that the government serves, to those who have served that government. More people need to understand this failure of government, for it is their comfort being protected by these bravo men and women, who are simply turned out, without proper care, when they return home. Though I live in Tucson, Arizona, the "Light-Pole Protest" was conducted in Surprise, Arizona, at the Surprise Municipal Park, since that is where Alex lives. It is my relationship with him that led me to take this rather extreme step, for the sake of Alex and those like him. And, I would do it, again -- without hesitation, if the attention they deserve is not forthcoming. They served us. Now, we must serve them! Interviews: Interviews will be granted on a first come, first served basis. All interviews must include both myself and Alex Cordero, as this is about Alex and his fellow soldiers, it is not about me. You must be able to incorporate him into the call. To arrange for an interview, contact me at (503) 307-0465. Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer Founder of Walking For The Forgotten