Suicide Prevention Month resonates deeply with our team and the wide base of supporters who stand with us.
For some, this fight is personal — they are loss survivors. Others have served in the military and carry firsthand knowledge of how suicide impacts the military community. Some have walked alongside loved ones through the darkest moments of suicidal ideation and into recovery, while others have dedicated their professional lives to being part of the solution.
We believe it’s essential not just to talk about the crisis — but to amplify the voices of those working to end it. With a dedicated, driven, and united community, we can move toward real solutions that save lives.
So we asked our community — our internal team, our donors, our friends — one important question:
“Why are you engaged in the fight to solve the suicide crisis within the military?”
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"I fight to end the suicide crisis in the military because I know the pain of loss. My grandpa died by suicide in 2020, and after his passing, I learned he had once served in the Army Reserves. His story reminds me that service members and veterans are also parents, grandparents, and friends—and they can be carrying pain no one sees. I work in his memory, and for the families still holding on to the people they love, to make sure fewer lives are cut short and fewer hearts are left with unanswered questions.”
- Hayley Emerson, National Fundraising Events Specialist at Stop Soldier Suicide
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“I am in this fight because I have personally lost people close to me to suicide. I have also had people close to me lose people to suicide. I have seen the pain and heart break and all questions and guilt that people feel. I joined this fight because I don't want anyone to feel this. I don't want our Military to feel this pain. When I learned the rate of suicide for members of the Military compared civilian suicide I was heart broken and just knew I wanted to be a part of the mission to reduce this.”
- Tanya Kelly, Director of Client Services for ROGER Wellness Service of Stop Soldier Suicide
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"My brother, Trace A. Farrow, who was an active duty Marine, who was struggling, took his own life ... at the time, there was not many accessible services or support which he might have found so he could be here today - I followed my brother into the Corp - he is my hero. This crisis is personal for me to help fight - Stop Solder Suicide is my way to honor my brother's memory, my way to feel solace that I AM doing something about it for others and him!"
- Randy Farrow
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“Soldiers would give their lives to fight for their country so we need to do everything we can for their mental health.”
-Robin
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"My brother, Josh, died by suicide on March 3rd 2019. He was a Marine who struggled to find the right support to help him post military service. After he died, I remember thinking, "how could this have been prevented? Is there something I missed or could have done differently"? I've since learned these are common questions of the grieving process for anyone whose lost a loved one to suicide, I felt convicted to do something, anything. That's when I found Stop Soldier Suicide and was fortunate enough to join The Fight. While I didn't have a clinical background, our Clinical Director at the time offered me a chance to learn and grow and the opportunity to jump into the Fight to support Veterans and Service Members struggling with suicidal thoughts and behavior. Since then, I've learned so much about this crisis, myself, and the many challenges our military community faces in receiving adequate, real care that is purposed to support them. I'm blessed to be part of an organization that is laser focused on a mission to save lives, and a Team that is relentless in pursuit of that mission. I pray daily for those that are struggling, for their support, for this Team and our Leadership. We're constantly innovating and learning new ways to offer support, while at the same time remain grounded in an evidence-based therapeutic support provided to our Clients through a person-centered, trauma-informed, suicide-focused care. The most difficult part of the process is raising your hand. If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please consider reaching out by submitting a Help Request Form at www.goroger.org, or by calling our 24/7 line at 833-697-6437. Thank you for being here!"
- Jared Zamora, Wellness Center Operations Manager at Stop Soldier Suicide
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“I am deeply engaged in the fight to solve the suicide crisis within the military because it is a personal issue for me. My brother, Boyd, was one of the many military personnel who die by suicide, and his death has inspired me to take action. To honor his memory and support both veterans and active-duty service members, I recently created Suzie Sews Sunshine. Through this business, I donate every penny of profit to organizations like Stop Soldier Suicide that work tirelessly to provide the crucial support our heroes need…I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
- Suzie Willyerd, Sister of Boyd Cox
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“I’m actively involved because I struggle too as a Veteran.”
- Tony
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"I would wager that any parent who has gone through this would not want their kid's death to be meaningless."
- John Schuetz, Father of Maj. Kelly Schuetz (Watch More Here)
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The stories, reflections, and motivations shared by our community are a powerful reminder: no one is alone in this fight.
Whether driven by personal experience, professional calling, or deep compassion for those who serve, each voice adds to a growing chorus of hope and action. Together, we are creating a future where military service members, veterans, and their families have the support they need.
Thank you to everyone who shared their "why." Your courage, commitment, and contributions fuel our mission to end the suicide crisis within the military community.
To learn more about how you can get involved in our life-saving mission we invite you to visit our "Get Involved" Page.