Tim and Mell Walkup created the Isaac D. Walkup Mental Health Awareness Fund with NBCF in memory of their son, Isaac, in order to help support and provide help to other veterans and enlisted men and women. Because no one should suffer in silence.
Isaac was a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Captain in the Army. He was stationed at Ft. Huachuca, AZ where he was the Director of Special Services for the Physical Therapy unit on the base. His sense of humor was renowned, and he was well known for his generous and giving nature. But no one knew what he battled in silence. His passing on Dec. 22, 2021, has been devastating to his family, friends, and colleagues and many questions remain unanswered.
In support of the fund and getting help to those who are suffering in silence, Rachel Emry, Isaac’s sister and owner of Blanco Brew in Wimberley, is hosting a taco sale fundraiser as part of the April 3 Wimberley Coffee & Cars event hosted by Blanco Brew.
“There will be live music, an art market, and of course, classic cars!” Rachel said.
Blanco Brew will be selling their breakfast tacos in addition to their coffee and pastries at the event. One hundred percent of the taco sales will go directly to the fund.
Isaac Donald Walkup was Born Oct. 8, 1985, in Dallas, Texas. In January of 1990, the Walkup family moved to Bentonville, Ark. where Isaac went to school through his 10th grade year. In 2002, they moved to New Braunfels, Texas where Isaac attended Canyon High School for his junior and senior years. The 2004 graduate received a Summa Cum Laude BS in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University in August of 2009.
Then came Army First Lt. Medical Special Services in March of 2012 followed quickly by an Army-Baylor doctorate in Physical Therapy in August 2013. It was also at Army-Baylor where he received a dual Masters of Hospital Administration and Business Administration. He was proud to serve our country and make a difference at all his assignments that included SAMMC, Kuwait, Johns Hopkins, and Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Isaac was laid to rest with full military honors on Jan. 17, 2022, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
Even the most accomplished, decorated person can suffer in silence. No one in Isaac’s life was aware of what he struggled with once he was home, and the uniform came off. The funniest, smartest man in the room was also struggling with a deep pain that he didn’t know how to talk about or to whom.
“With your help, we are determined to provide support for other men and women like Isaac who need help, but who also need discretion and genuine, unbiased guidance through counseling,” Tim said. “Our men and women in uniform not only need the services offered on a civilian level, they have earned it and they deserve everything we can offer.”
The Wimberley Coffee & Cars takes place the first Sunday of every month at Blanco Brew, 14200 RR 12, in Wimberly. The April event takes place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 3.
Car enthusiasts with hot rods, muscle cars, sports cars, exotics, classic trucks or unique rides are welcome to come out and display their cars.
Wimberley Coffee & Cars is presented by 12 Kings Car Club of Wimberley, Blanco Brew, Brookshire Brothers, King Feed, Brinkman Construction, American Muscle and American Trucks.
Donate HERE to the Isaac D. Walkup Mental Health Awareness Fund supporting mental health awareness and mental health programming,