U.S. Army SSgt. Alexander Scott Lawson may no longer walk this earthly realm, but his legacy has touched more lives than he could ever have imagined, and on Oct. 12, that legacy became a tangible thing with the help of 22 Too Many.
Named after the average daily number of American veteran suicides, the nonprofit 22 Too Many seeks to lower and eventually eliminate that statistic by raising awareness for a growing issue that continues to plague the nation’s greatest defenders, as active-duty suicides are on the rise.
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They spread the word by remembering fallen heroes. This often looks like carrying their pictures through races on the backs of jerseys, sharing their stories at motorcycle rallies, hikes and other events, or organizing the delivery of physical objects memorialized with their names.
In this case, Lawson has been honored with a custom-made metal bench, which received a full escort to its new home inside the Appalachian Veterans Memorial Park at Meeks Park.
The American Legion Riders, North Georgia Honor Guard and local law enforcement led the escort, and other veterans and community members joined in the journey to the park to honor a brother in arms.
Lawson was born on Nov. 17, 1986. He was inspired to do something for the good of his country after watching how the tragedy of 9/11 impacted his nation, and he went on to join the United States Army.
Touted as a “stellar” soldier, Lawson served six tours of duty and was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
Over the course of his military career, he was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, 10 Year Device Bronze Hourglass, NATO Medal, and many more commendations. On top of that, Lawson earned the highly coveted Bravo-4 sniping skill identifier.
Despite his accolades, he faced significant health challenges, including shoulder damage from repeated rifle fires and a traumatic brain injury received in combat. On March 13, 2019, Lawson took his own life at the age of 32.
During the bench dedication, Sgt. James Hall spoke about the meaning of serving one’s country and what it takes to join the military. It’s one thing, he said, to have loyalty, dedication, integrity and courage, but faith is perhaps the finest attribute in a model soldier, and Lawson displayed all of these traits and more.
“He had integrity that was above reproach,” stated an emotional Hall. “He had the professionalism of men 10 years his senior, and he set the example for his men to follow. And he was resilient. He trained hundreds of soldiers over the course of his career, and those soldiers went on to train hundreds of their own soldiers.
“The impact Alex left is still felt within the infantry. The lessons he taught are still whispered in war rooms across the world … and like a proud father watching his sons, I know Alex is looking down from Heaven, and he’s proud of what his boys are still doing.”
Like so many of his fellows, Lawson was haunted by what he experienced in the name of duty. Hall spoke of how difficult it can be for combat veterans to integrate back into civilian life. In so many cases, the war continues in their minds, and for some, there is no escape.
Still, there is hope.
“The American Legion’s top priority is to reduce veteran suicide by encouraging veterans, caregivers and others to be the one to save the life of one veteran,” said Lt. Col. Dan Wickersham, whose own daughter, Jenny Wickersham, took her life on Oct. 16, 2024.
Wickersham believes that reducing veteran suicides starts with destigmatizing mental health, whether that means discussions thereof or its treatment by society as a whole.
To remember every recipient honored by the memorial benches he delivers to grieving families, Chaplain Ed McClelland of 22 Too Many decorates his truck with their photos. They ride with him to every destination, and Lawson marked the approximately 85th delivery.
“(Lawson)’s bench has been with me longer than any of the other 84,” McClelland said, describing the journey his “precious cargo” has made with him since September on the way to deliver other benches. In this way, a part of Lawson has traveled across the country.
No delivery is easy, McClelland admitted, but most of them are completed on private property at the homes of families. Lawson’s loving parents Mannetta and Monte Tucker, in the name of raising awareness – and hopefully saving lives – chose to honor their son publicly.
An emotional unveiling saw the cover removed from the back of the bench, which is decorated with Lawson’s name and significant representations of his life and personality, like the American flag and a sea turtle silhouette cradling the Earth on its shell to signify his love of the outdoors.
A flag-folding ceremony and the somber notes of “Taps” signified the end of the public portion of the event, but Lawson’s family held their own meeting at their home in Blairsville with a bonfire and gathering for loved ones. Its purpose was twofold, offering a chance to unwind after reliving the painful memories of an insurmountable loss, and a time to celebrate the legacy of a bright light snuffed out too soon.
Mannetta Tucker will always remember her son as the younger of two boys, a “stray puppy rescuer” with an exceptionally kind heart and quick wit. Through her grief and the connections she makes by her son’s memory, she has come to learn about and accept the kind of outstanding man he was. Now, he’s not just her baby – he’s a warrior.
“Sit a while with a warrior,” she suggests, referring to other veterans and how important it is to reach out to them and prevent further loss. “The conversation will be different.”
On a local level, American Legion Post 121 encourages struggling veterans to come in and find support from a like-minded community, and they are located at 78 Blue Ridge Hwy up the hill beside the park and ride. For more immediate help, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
