Honor the veteran in your life with DAV Honor Garden
When Jacob Drost reflects on the life of his friend and fellow Ohio veteran, Ginger MacCutcheon, the legacy of service she has left behind is what stands out.
“Ginger’s life and legacy cannot be forgotten. Her journey was one of resilience and encouragement,” said Jacob, a benefits advocate who serves as the commander of the Department of Ohio. “Because of Ginger, women all over the country know that they aren’t alone and that they are strong enough to endure whatever struggles they are faced with. So much of her life was dedicated to helping others, and that needs to be remembered and honored.”
Ginger, a Women’s Army Corps veteran and former commander of DAV Chapter 116 in Parma, Ohio, was known for her dedication to serving others despite dealing with her own struggles.
She was a survivor of military sexual trauma, which later resulted in periods of suicidal thoughts. But in order to spread awareness about the sacrifices women make during and after their service and to encourage others to ask for help, she courageously shared her story in DAV's special report Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness.
Ann Echols (left) with friend and fellow Save A Warrior alumnus Ginger MacCutcheon (right)
When Ginger died on April 14, 2024, at the age of 65, it was devastating to those who knew and cared for her, but it also affected those who had heard her story. DAV’s Department of Ohio was determined to honor her—not just as a friend but as a hero whose legacy had a lasting impact on her community. They decided that one of the most fitting ways to give tribute was to feature Ginger in the DAV Honor Garden.
The garden features a series of tree-lined brick pathways, each dedicated to a branch of the military. At the entrance to each pathway, a service flag stands proudly, representing the brave men and women whose names are etched on the bricks below. Designed to honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes, the Honor Garden was the perfect place to commemorate Ginger—someone who was no stranger to making sacrifices for others.
“Ginger was the voice of so many silenced women, women who don’t have the ability to stand up and speak out,” said Navy veteran and DAV life member Ann Echols, who developed a close bond with Ginger through Save A Warrior, a nonprofit organization working to end the staggering number of suicides among veteran and service members. “I really looked up to and loved Ginger, and I hope that her brick in the Honor Garden serves as a reminder to her mission: to empower women to stand up, speak out and seek the healing they deserve.”
You can join Ann and Jacob in honoring the memories and legacies of our nation’s heroes by purchasing a brick to place in the Honor Garden. To learn more about how you can commemorate the important veterans in your life, visit ihelpveterans.org/content/bricks.
