Vermont mom opens veteran wellness and recreation center named for late son Share Updated: 10:08 AM EDT Mar 16, 2021 Share Updated: 10:08 AM EDT Mar 16, 2021
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Show Transcript MOM. ON A MISSION. HAS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE TODAY: WITH THE OPENING OF A NON-PROFIT WELLNESS CENTER. NAMED FOR HER SON. HIS DEATH. DROVE HER TO HELP OTHER MILITARY SERVICE- MEMBERS EXPERIENCING POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS. JACK THURSTON HAS THAT STORY. ((Nats ping-pong)) The sound of ping- pong ((VAL PALLOTTA / Lost Soldier Son to Suicide: 2:17:24: it s surreal to see this.)) To Val Pallotta symbolizes the end of a long journey ((VAL PALLOTTA / Lost Soldier Son to Suicide: 2:20:04: it s hard putting the grief aside and focusing on a mission.)) We ve been following her for 6 1/2 years - since her soldier son Josh ended his own life following military service in Afghanistan-with a Vermont National Guard unit where two close buddies were killed in
NECN has been following Pallotta’s story for more than six years, since he ended his own life after a return from military service in Afghanistan.
He had served with a Vermont National Guard unit where two close buddies were killed in action, and where Josh suffered a traumatic brain injury and then became withdrawn, his mom said.
In an interview with NECN in 2014, a month or so after Josh died, Val Pallotta made a promise.
“I won’t stop until there’s an end to veteran suicide,” she vowed. Josh Pallotta, 25, ended his own life last month; now Vermont National Guard officials are emphasizing resources are available.