The mood was anything but somber during the second annual Operation Welcome Home event held last Saturday at Cheney Stadium.

The event, hosted by local organization VetsMeetVets, featured a tailgate party in the stadium parking lot and a pregame celebration on the field. There was free food, music, raffle giveaways and massage booths for veterans and their families.  

There were also handshakes and smiles all around.

Jeff Brennan, a director for VetsMeetVets, said the Operation Welcome Home event went off as planned. "This event helped show veterans that people really care about them," he said. "That's what it's all about."

Brennan, a former Marine, said more than 6,500 veterans commit suicide each year. VetsMeetVets strives to put an end to veteran suicide by helping connect recent and seasoned veterans with each other, as well as connect veterans with helpful services in the area.  An important step in stopping suicide is to express to struggling veterans that they are not alone, he said.

"VetsMeetVets wants to say to veterans that we are here for you," said Brennan. "We are here for you and we are here to take care of you."

Events like Operation Welcome Home are perfect opportunities for veterans to get out and realize the support they have, he said.

Food for the tailgate party was donated by the Parkland First Baptist Food Bank. Veterans were given tickets and meal vouchers for the Tacoma Rainiers baseball game. An extensive on-field pregame event showcased area veterans and featured a presentation of the locally-stitched Freedom Heroes USA Flag. A game suite was held open for veterans and their families, and visitors stopped by the suite throughout the night offering thanks and praises to men and women who had served.  

Community support is crucial in helping veterans get through any problems they may face, Brennan said. "Events like Operation Welcome Home help honor our veterans," he said. "And that's an awesome thing."