As Memorial Day weekend approaches, one East Texas family is reminding the community that the holiday is about more than cookouts and sales—it’s about honoring those who served and those who have been lost.
With Mission 22 flags in hand, Barbie Rhode joined others in Tyler on May 22 for a walk dedicated to veteran suicide awareness—and to the memory of her son.
” For the 22, honor the 22,” Rhode said.
Mission 22 is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting U.S. military veterans and their families, with a strong emphasis on suicide prevention.
“It’s happening with active duty and retired veteran,” Rhode said.
Participants walked 2.2 miles, symbolizing the mission’s effort to bring attention to the issue. For Rhode, the walk carries deep personal meaning.
“We’re doing this walk today, because not only do we need to raise money, but we need to raise awareness,” Rhode said.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans die by suicide at a rate more than one and a half times higher than non-veteran U.S. adults—a reality Rhode says her family did not fully understand until it affected them directly.
“Until we lost our child, we had no idea about this problem, no clue,” Rhode said.
Her son, Sgt. Cody Bowman, served in the military and lost his left hand in a blast in Germany. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Rhode said he often tried to reassure them he was okay.
” I was with him for a while. He kept saying he’s fine, he’s fine… until two and half years later he wasn’t,” Rhode said.
In 2019, Rhode’s life changed forever when she was met by two soldiers delivering devastating news.
“That’s never good. And all I remember hearing was Sergeant Cody Bowman, self-inflicted gunshot wound. I dropped to my knees,” Rhode said.
In the years since her son’s death, Rhode and her husband have turned their grief into action by joining Mission 22. They now share Cody’s story in hopes of preventing other families from experiencing similar loss.
” I just don’t want that pain on everyone else if I can help stop it,” Rhode said.
Events like the walk serve as both a tribute and a call to action, emphasizing the need for greater support for veterans in the community.
” I hope everybody knows that just walking a few steps, even if you don’t do the whole 2.2 miles, it touches us. It means the absolute world,” Rhode said.
As Memorial Day nears, Rhode hopes people will remember the true meaning behind the holiday—and the sacrifices made by service members like her son.
” They signed their name on that dotted line to give their life for our freedoms,” Rhode said.
With every step taken, families like Rhode’s are ensuring those sacrifices are never forgotten, while fighting to bring hope and support to others who need it most.