Memorial Day Tombstone Scrub | New London, CT

This past Memorial Day weekend, I was fortunate to take part in documenting a tombstone scrub event hosted by a new veterans support non-profit organization, Rally Point CT. Their mission is as a “Community Support Program that aims to identify and divert veterans with at-risk behaviors into treatment and team-based intensive case-management supports.” They also aim to bridge the gap between civilians and veterans to aid in this mission. Founded by Dr. Julie Keen, a licensed psychologist in Connecticut with offices in Bridgeport and Groton, she has had a passion for working closely with veterans throughout her career. Her Rally Point CT team also comprises of veteran Marine, Frank Galley, who is mental health first aid certified as well as with his licensed therapy dog Cooper by his side. They planned a tombstone scrub at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London, CT for the morning of Memorial Day to recognize the ultimate sacrifice these military men and women have given and to spruce up their final resting place. The weather was pouring rain right over the cemetery, but the veterans and volunteers who joined to help went ahead and cleaned an entire section of headstones together. It was inspiring and humbling to work with this group and I look forward to joining them again for future community events! Please consider visiting their website for more information on how you can support their organization as well.