Gary Martin, Commander of The American Legion Post 90, shared an important message at the organization's November meeting:
Be the one to save one Veteran. Learn how to help a Veteran in crisis.
“Some people say that this is a fortunate time for us because our nation is not at war, but the sad truth is that there is a raging war taking place in the hearts and minds of too many of our Veterans,” Martin told the crowd.
Veteran suicide is an enormous issue facing our Veteran population, and too many are fighting the battle alone. Between 17 and 44 Veteran suicides take place every day in America, according to estimates.
Why are there so many Veteran suicides?
Martin shared, “More than 50% of Americans believe that seeking mental health help is a sign of weakness; even worse, 75% of the Veteran community feels this way.”
These statistics explain, at least partially, why combating the rise of Veteran suicide is made even more challenging. In response, the American Legion initiated a campaign called, "Be The One," in order to combat and ideally eliminate Veteran Suicide.
The Be the One campaign aims to change the narrative from talking about the staggering numbers of daily Veteran suicides to one where we encourage Americans to act.
Be The One means:
- Be the one to listen when a Veteran needs to talk
- Be the one to reach out when a Veteran is struggling
- Be the one to ask for help when you know you need it
“You can Be The One to save one Veteran,” Martin encouraged the crowd.
Everyone at the meeting was given a Be The One wallet card (available for download here). One side shows the Be The One Logo with a QR code that takes you to the Be The One website. There, you can find a great deal of free resources, useful information, videos, links, and suggested actions.
The reverse side has a checklist describing the responsibilities and actions needed in this important campaign. Everyone is called to ask, listen, and reach out as the first line of defense in the fight to stop Veteran suicide.
Resources and Tips
If you are looking for a way to support Veterans, the guidance on this card may help, download it here:
- First, ask the Veterans in your life how they are doing.
- Second, encourage Veterans who are struggling to ask for help.
- Do not tell them you know how they feel.
- Do not minimize or condemn their feelings.
The card offers several other suggestions that may help guide you through ways to help the Veterans in your life.
If you as a Veteran, or as a loved one or friend, or even just an acquaintance of a Veteran don’t know what to do or who to call, dial 988 and hit prompt one for immediate help. That number will connect you with the experts on the Veteran Crisis Line. “I’m told they are simply great at helping,” Martin added.
“We as Veterans need to dispel our belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness and to need to know and be reminded that it’s okay to not be okay.”
Martin shared his closing thoughts:
It is never too late or too early to ask for help for yourself, a fellow Veteran, a friend, a family member, or for that matter, a complete stranger.
From camaraderie to coping, consider joining the American Legion
Martin encouraged the group: "If you are a Veteran and are not a member of The American Legion, the DAV, the VFW, or the Military Vets MC, I strongly encourage you to join. You are going to be a Veteran for a period much longer than your time on active duty and this membership will give you the opportunity to continue to serve your fellow Veterans, your family, and your community."
Contact the American Legion Post 90 at [email protected] or through their Facebook page.
