Two mothers. Two sons. One mission.

They wore different uniforms, came from different places, and had different dreams. But Senior Airman Ollie J. Faure’ of the United States Air Force and Lance Corporal Lebraun Hamilton of the United States Marine Corps shared something far greater than their military titles: they were beloved sons with beautiful hearts, bright futures, and families who loved them deeply.

On October 22, 2024, Ollie died by suicide at age 22. Eleven days later, on November 2, 2024, Lebraun died at just 19.

Their mothers, Mia Hart and Brandy Abbott, never knew one another before experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing their sons. Through grief, faith, and an unexpected friendship, they found a shared purpose: to honor their sons by raising awareness, advocating for suicide prevention, and helping others find hope.

Their sons are why this mission began. The lives they hope to reach are why it continues.

That mission is bringing the second annual Walking With a Purpose Suicide Awareness Walk to Sparta on Saturday, October 24. The free event will bring families, friends, and community members together to remember lives lost to suicide, support those who are grieving, and encourage conversations about mental health.

Remembering Ollie — Forever 22

Before he was Senior Airman Ollie J. Faure’, he was a young man who loved reading, writing music, and making others feel included.

Born November 1, 2001, Ollie was brilliant, funny, and compassionate, according to his mother, Mia Hart. His academic achievements earned him a full scholarship to Louisiana State University Shreveport, but he ultimately chose a different path, enlisting in the United States Air Force.

His mother proudly supported that decision.

While serving in Okinawa, Japan, Ollie suffered a traumatic brain injury. Hart said her son struggled afterward and repeatedly sought help, but administrative problems prevented him from receiving the care he needed.

For approximately two months, she said, the family was told that paperwork issues stood in the way of treatment. On October 22, 2024, Ollie died by suicide outside a Veterans Affairs hospital. He was just 10 days away from his 23rd birthday.

Hart shares her son's story because she believes no service member or veteran should face administrative barriers when seeking mental health care. She wants greater awareness, accountability, and changes that could prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss.

For Hart, Ollie was never just a statistic. He was a son with talents, dreams, and a future that mattered.

His memory is now carried forward through a message that bears his name: O.L.L.I.E. — One Life Lost Is Enough.

Remembering Lebraun — Forever 19

Lance Corporal Lebraun Hamilton was born June 9, 2005. His mother, Brandy Abbott, remembers a kind, intelligent young man with a gentle spirit, a desire to help others, and a passion for serving his community.

Lebraun graduated with honors and had dreams of pursuing a career in the medical field. Like Ollie, however, he chose military service, joining the United States Marine Corps.

After Lebraun was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Abbott began noticing changes in her son's mental health. Back home in Tennessee, she watched their phone calls become less frequent. She encouraged him for months to seek help, knowing he was struggling but unable to be there with him.

Eventually, Lebraun reached out to the Marine Corps for support. Abbott said the appointment he needed was delayed for weeks.

Seven days later, on November 2, 2024, Lebraun died by suicide. He was 19 years old.

Abbott believes the military and the systems responsible for her son's care failed him when he needed them most. She shares his story because she wants other families to know how important it is for people who are struggling to receive timely support.

Lebraun had worked hard, served his country, and hoped to spend his future helping others. His mother now carries that desire to help forward in his memory.

Forever 19. Forever loved. Never forgotten.

From two families to one mission

The losses came just 11 days apart, and neither mother knew the other when their sons died.

What began as an unexpected friendship between two grieving mothers eventually became Walking With a Purpose, an annual event dedicated to suicide awareness, prevention, and remembering those who have died.

"This is an annual walk that started in 2025 and we each take turns every year," Abbott said. "Last year the walk was held in Louisiana and this year I wanted to bring it to my home state and my home town."

While both Ollie and Lebraun served in the military, Abbott emphasized that Walking With a Purpose is not limited to military families or military suicide. The walk is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide, anyone who wants to support someone who is grieving, and anyone who wants to help raise awareness about mental health.

Walking together in Sparta

The second annual Walking With a Purpose Suicide Awareness Walk will be held Saturday, October 24, at South Carter Street Park, beginning at 11am.

Participants will walk the trail together, but the event will offer more than an opportunity to remember loved ones.

Several organizations will have tables set up to provide information and community resources, including Tennessee Right to Life, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), the White County Health Department, the White County Anti-Drug Coalition, and Warrior Counseling.

Pastor Darrell Breeden will open the event with prayer, and his granddaughter, Kaylee, and her friend Karlee will provide music.

Families are encouraged to bring framed photographs of loved ones they are walking in memory of, or to wear shirts honoring them. A special remembrance table will be available to display the photographs, including those of fallen service members recognized by the nonprofit organization 22TooMany.

There is no cost to participate, and organizers are not requesting donations.

However, those who would like to contribute are encouraged to support 22TooMany or Operation Creekside, two nonprofit organizations that provide support to families who have lost loved ones to military suicide.

Abbott said both organizations have been important sources of support, offering not only assistance but continued care and recognition for families and their fallen loved ones.

For Hart and Abbott, the walk is about remembering their sons, but it is also about the people they may never meet — someone who is struggling, someone who has been afraid to ask for help, or another family living with the loss of someone they love.

Their message is that no one should have to face those struggles alone, and that conversations about mental health and access to care can make a difference.

Two mothers. Two sons. One mission.

Walking With a Purpose began with Ollie and Lebraun. Their mothers hope it continues by helping others find the support their sons needed.