LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky is home to nearly 370,000 military veterans, and Scott County Sheriff's Deputy and fallen officer Caleb Conley was one of them.
The Lexington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 680 is doing what it can to help honor Conley while supporting his family.
Lexington VFW holds a great deal of history and camaraderie for those who enter the nostalgic hall. Seven days a week, doors open for families, bringing laughter, occasional tears and unwavering support for servicemen and women in this city in a number of thoughtful ways.
Nicole Horseman, a member of the Navy and past Post Commander, helps operate the facility.
“Our canteen, our charitable gaming activities, that is how we can fund our Voice of Democracy and pens scholarships, how we can assist veterans and those in their families,” Horseman explained.
She says the center is about more than just a place for recreation. As Horseman sees it, their purpose is simple: Supporting the people who risk their safety to protect others.
Now, they plan to support soldiers like eight-year serviceman Caleb Conley and his family after he was killed working as a deputy in Scott County.
“He still was a brother in arms who served eight years ago in the army. One of our fellow VFW members from London served with Deputy Conley and his unit.” Horseman said.
But she believes with such a loss already hitting loved ones — it’s their job to allow them a chance to grieve. “The biggest thing we’ve learned is that the family will be so overwhelmed with grief and this outpouring of support that we are giving them a little space,” she said.
She says when the time is right, like their weekly fundraisers for these vets, they will provide the resources that help the family.
Horseman says prioritizing mental health is key. “If I can take something I learned and share it with another veteran or veteran’s family and it brings them peace or brings them calm, and gets them the help they need and for them to not have to be one of the 22, then every horrible thing I’ve ever had in my life was worth it,” she shared.
She also believes younger veterans are needed to infuse the VVW post with fresh energy.
“The younger generation, you know we need it. We need new ideas. You know, I’m a part of the younger generation compared to previous leadership over the last 40 years — you know there’s North Korea, and Vietnam vets and Iraq, Afghan vets were coming in and we’re having new ideas.”
Horseman encourages people to take part in their local veterans affairs groups and while plans to help Conley’s loved ones are in the works, they are keeping his family in their hearts at this time.