{"id":237,"date":"2024-08-14T02:05:38","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T02:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/?page_id=237"},"modified":"2026-06-17T21:33:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T03:33:33","slug":"home-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0a3161″ display_conditions=”W10=” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” disabled=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#53544C” link_option_url=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/250-2″ text_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

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The museum is planning special events for America\u2019s 250th anniversary. Click here to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Videoguestsos.webm” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” min_height=”1000px” height=”1000px” max_height=”1000px” disabled=”on” global_module=”2636″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” text_font=”–et_global_heading_font|800|||||||” text_text_color=”#F7D859″ text_font_size=”64px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22quote_border_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” text_font=”–et_global_heading_font|800|||||||” text_text_color=”#F7D859″ text_font_size=”64px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22quote_border_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

National Museum of Military Vehicles<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22quote_border_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Explore a world-class collection of historic military vehicles and artifacts, honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families, and honor the history of American freedom.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”2c55a9c4-feed-423b-9edb-ae0b5b365cac” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22quote_border_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Explore a world-class collection of historic military vehicles and artifacts, honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families, and honor the history of American freedom.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/250″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Landing-Page-1920×1080-1.webp” alt=”July 3 America 250 Celebration” title_text=”Landing Page – 1920×1080″ url=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/250-2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/250″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Landing-Page-Mobile.webp” alt=”July 3 America 250 Celebration” title_text=”Landing Page – Mobile” url=”https:\/\/nmmv.org\/staging\/250-2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Honoring Our Veterans, Supporting Their Lives” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#53544C” title_font_size=”43px” text_shadow_style=”preset4″ text_shadow_vertical_length=”0.06em” text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.09em” text_shadow_color=”#F7D859″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_toggle title=”\ud835\udde9\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\u2019\ud835\ude00 \ud835\uddd7\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude06 \ud835\udde0\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude00\ud835\ude00\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf2 \u2013 \ud835\udde6\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2. \ud835\uddd8\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf5 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude00 \ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf5.” open_toggle_text_color=”#53544C” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#53544C” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|500|||||||” title_font_size=”20px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-828accbb-1ed2-407d-95be-20ab4e191566%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22border_color_all%22,%22border_color_all%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-7cadd8b3-5228-48e4-90c4-212d09232f7b%22:%91%22title_text_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-3e0ae39b-d026-4173-b444-0c785917aeff%22:%91%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

We just lost another combat veteran friend to suicide. He was loved. He was supported. He had children. He had a lot to live for.<\/p>\n

He also was in pain. He had to have felt anguish and hopelessness. Now he is gone. It did not have to happen, but it did. We have to do better stopping veteran suicide.<\/p>\n

I am neither a mental health professional nor a veteran, but I have lost family members and friends to suicide and considered suicide myself seriously enough to have planned it in detail. Here is what I see as some common threads.<\/p>\n

Anyone can commit suicide. There is no stereotype.<\/p>\n

People who commit suicide often give no advance clue to those around them. They assure family and friends they are fine. Reasons for suicide are diverse. They might include consequences of TBI and\/or PTSD. There may be other changes in brain chemistry. Hopelessness. Lack of purpose. Isolation. Failure to meet one\u2019s own expectations. Shame. Survivor\u2019s guilt. Veterans often check these boxes at a higher rate than non-veterans.<\/p>\n

Veterans served and sacrificed years of their lives to protect the rest of us. It is now our turn to return the favor. I do not have all the answers on how to do this, but I do have some ideas:<\/p>\n

\ud835\udfed. \ud835\uddd8\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\ude00\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddee \ud835\ude00\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\ude00\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb.<\/strong>
In my view, it is common, normal, and part of the human condition, not a flaw or a sign of weakness. I disclosed my own suicide ideation to set an example. Let\u2019s talk about suicide like we would talk about any other part of being human. Let\u2019s dispel this part of a veteran\u2019s isolation or shame and get the visibility to intervene at exactly the right time.<\/p>\n

\ud835\udfee. \ud835\uddd8\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude06 \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude00.<\/strong>
This can help provide purpose, connection, and self-esteem.<\/p>\n

\ud835\udfef. \ud835\uddd9\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf0\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude00 \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2-\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb-\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb \ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddfd\ud835\ude00.<\/strong>
Be creative. We can all help veterans and their families be better connected.<\/p>\n

\ud835\udff0. \ud835\udde6\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude01 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddea\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude00\ud835\ude00 \ud835\udddb\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\udde3\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddf7\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf0\ud835\ude01<\/strong>
We recently founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help veterans and their families through outdoor wilderness experiences provided free of charge. This includes hunting, camping, equine therapy, horseback riding, side-by-side trips, hiking, mountain scenery and peacefulness, and staring into a camp fire with other veterans. Consider donating at wildernesshealingproject.org<\/a> to help us reach more veterans. 100% of all donations go directly to funding veteran services. The National Museum of Military Vehicles pays all administrative and overhead expenses.<\/p>\n

\ud835\udff1. \ud835\udde6\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude01 \ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff \ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfa\ud835\ude00 \ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf1\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb \ud835\ude00\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2.<\/strong>
There are many private programs that could use more visibility and participation, such as the Veterans Talking to Veterans Program created by Mentor Agility (mentoragility.com<\/a>) and supported by the Wyoming Military Department (wyomilitary.wyo.gov<\/a>) and Catholic Charities of Wyoming (charitieswyoming.org<\/a>). Help spread the word.<\/p>\n

\ud835\udff2. \ud835\udde6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude01 \ud835\ude06\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff \ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude04\ud835\uddfb \ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfa \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddfc \ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddfd \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude00.<\/strong>
Why not?<\/p>\n

\ud835\udff3. \ud835\udde7\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf8 \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude00 \ud835\uddf3\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddff \ud835\ude00\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb \ud835\uddee \ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf1 \ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf3\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf9 \ud835\ude04\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude06.<\/strong>
Make sure they know we \u201csee\u201d them and appreciate their service and their sacrifice on our behalf. Make every day Veterans Day, not just November 11.<\/p>\n

To everyone reading this: \ud835\uddea\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude00 \ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddfc \ud835\ude06\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02 \ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb \ud835\ude04\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01 \ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\ude04\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb \ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddfc \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddfc \ud835\ude00\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfd \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff \ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf1\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb \ud835\ude00\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude00?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have to work together to do better. We lose more veterans to suicide every single day.<\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=” Veteran Suicide – What to Do” open_toggle_text_color=”#53544C” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#53544C” title_font=”–et_global_body_font|700|||||||” title_font_size=”20px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-828accbb-1ed2-407d-95be-20ab4e191566%22:%91%22border_color_all%22,%22border_color_all%22,%22border_color_all%22,%22border_color_all%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22open_icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-7cadd8b3-5228-48e4-90c4-212d09232f7b%22:%91%22title_text_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22,%22icon_color%22%93,%22gcid-3e0ae39b-d026-4173-b444-0c785917aeff%22:%91%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22,%22body_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

This post builds on what we published on November 10 (see above) regarding veteran suicide. In that post, I asked people to weigh in with ideas on what we can do to stop or reduce veteran suicides. A friend who is a Navy Corpsman combat veteran and Associate Dean of Men at Hillsdale College responded with great wisdom and gave me permission to re-post his letter.<\/p>\n

Below is his letter in its entirety. Please spread the word and keep the ideas coming:<\/p>\n

Dan,<\/p>\n

I read your piece on Veteran Suicide, and it truly saddened me to hear about your friend.<\/p>\n

I too have lost friends, co-workers, and fellow Sailors and Marines to suicide. Like you, I\u2019ve thought long and hard about what can be done to confront this epidemic.<\/p>\n

I agree completely that this conversation needs to happen more often\u2014and not behind closed doors.<\/p>\n

It should be a kitchen table topic, something we can speak about openly and honestly.<\/p>\n

Intergenerational Mentorship<\/strong>
\u2022 Pairing veterans with at-risk youth, college RAs, or even ROTC students gives vets a chance to lead again.
\u2022 Passing on discipline and resilience reframes their experience as valuable \u2014 not tragic.
\u2022 This restores purpose and the \u201cprotector\u201d role in a new context.<\/p>\n

Spiritual and Moral Reconciliation<\/strong>
\u2022 Many veterans carry unseen spiritual wounds \u2014 guilt, betrayal, or loss of faith.
\u2022 Chaplain-led retreats or veteran-specific confession spaces can provide real healing.
\u2022 These programs focus not on diagnosis, but on forgiveness, meaning, and belonging \u2014 often the missing pieces in suicide prevention.<\/p>\n

Veteran-Led Economic Cooperatives<\/strong>
\u2022 Giving veterans ownership in small businesses or co-ops creates long-term stability and pride.
\u2022 Example: A veteran-owned carpentry shop or auto garage where profits and leadership rotate among members.
\u2022 It meets three needs at once: employment, community, and dignity.<\/p>\n

Training Civilians to Listen Differently<\/strong>
\u2022 The burden shouldn\u2019t fall only on vets \u2014 communities often don\u2019t know how to engage them.
\u2022 Teaching civilians to \u201clisten without fixing\u201d or to invite veterans into meaningful roles can be life-saving.
\u2022 Churches, campuses, and employers can host \u201cVeteran Story Nights\u201d or \u201cMission Debriefs\u201d that allow honest conversations to happen naturally.
(Almost like a \u201ctrain the trainer,\u201d as we would say in the military.)<\/p>\n

Restoring Tribe<\/strong>
\u2022 The loss of tribe after service is one of the most dangerous shifts.
\u2022 Rebuilding that tribe \u2014 through mission trips, leadership development, or service projects with civilians \u2014 can recreate the sense of belonging that prevents despair.<\/p>\n

All of these ideas take time, but I believe it\u2019s in the small things \u2014 in the simple moments, in the \u201clittle\u201d \u2014 that much can be found.
Sometimes healing begins not with a program, but with presence, a shared meal, or a listening ear.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what we do with student veterans here at Hillsdale.<\/p>\n

Very Respectfully,
Jeffery Rogers
Associate Dean of Men
Hillsdale College<\/p>\n

\n

If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about suicide, help is available right now.
You\u2019re not alone \u2014 please call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org<\/a> to connect with support 24\/7.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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