The friends and family of a Valley veteran presented a check to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley in honor of his memory. 

 

A check for $8,000 was presented to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley that honors the life of Justin R. House, from Liberty. 

 

His mom tells us as a child growing up in the church and as an adult, he would help anyone in the community who needed a hand up. 

 

"He always gave back, always gave to the homeless. He would go buy 40.00 dollars worth of value meals and just pass them out, so we want to give back to our area," Teresa House said. 

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The Justin R. House Softball Tournament has grown from 8 teams of friends in Liberty to up to 14 teams to encompass folks from the 

tri-county area.

 

Half of the money  goes to, "Stop Soldier Suicides." The number of veterans who die by suicide is dropping, but much work needs to be done. Estimates are around 22 veterans die by suicide each day.

 

"It has grown as just a way to highlight mental health and the people who struggle. We always say if you know somebody struggling or if you're struggling yourself this is the day to come and express that,"  Lou Rivera said. 

 

"We need to get the message out that we're losing lives every day. It's more important than just getting together raising money, playing softball. That's fun but we need to do more for the people that are putting their lives on the line for our country," Michael Bryant emphasized. 

 

The softball tournament and donations in Justin's memory are a way to turn the darkness of loss into light. 

 

Friends and family said Justin brightened up a room, with his charisma, humor, and love for family, friends, and community.