Vets4Warriors

At USAA, we have the privilege of serving the military community and their families, and with that, comes the responsibility to advocate for them and the issues that are important to them. For nearly a year, our team has worked to raise awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention through Face the Fight. Last night that work was recognized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during their annual Lifesavers Gala. It was my honor to accept the 2024 Public Lifesaver Award on behalf of our 37,000 teammates. Introducing me was Maj. Gen. Mark Graham (Ret.), CEO of Vets4Warriors, a longtime charitable partner. Gen. Graham and his wife, Carol, lost two sons, both of whom followed their dad into the Army. Kevin died by suicide in 2003, and Jeff was killed while serving in Iraq. The Grahams’ story demonstrates the resilience of loved ones left behind. Their sons’ legacies live on in their parents’ important work. We were in great company with several others who were awarded for their lifesaving work. Public Education Lifesaver Award: Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach; Humanitarian Lifesaver Award: Huntsman Foundation; Lifetime Achievement Research Award: Barbara Stanley, Ph.D. (1949-2023, Awarded Posthumously); Annual Research Award: Jeff Bridge, Ph.D. Thank you to the AFSP for this powerful recognition of USAA and for your essential work to advance research, education and support for this important issue. I’m proud to share that more than 170 corporations, foundations, nonprofit and veteran-focused organizations have joined the Face the Fight coalition in support of our aspiration to cut the veteran suicide rate in half by 2030. And we’ve committed nearly $85 million to support evidence-based care for those at risk. There are so many to thank for standing arm-in-arm with us in this initiative. Thank you to the veterans and families who’ve courageously shared your stories as a way to help others; to our founding partners, Reach Resilience and Humana Foundation and strategic partners, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and UT Health San Antonio; to every coalition member and individual who has joined us in the fight; and to the 37,000 USAA teammates who’ve graciously donated their time, talent and treasure to this important cause. To learn more please visit wefacethefight.org. There is strength in asking for help, and if you need support, help is available by calling 988.

As we come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary team at Vets4Warriors®.   To our remarkable peer specialists, veterans themselves, your invaluable support drawn from your own military journeys serves as a beacon of hope for those facing challenges. Your commitment to ensuring that no member of the military community stands alone is truly commendable.   A special note of gratitude goes out to all those across the country working essential jobs during the holiday like our service members serving around the globe, first responders, emergency services, hospital staff, transportation, and caregivers. These individuals make sacrifices, including being away from their families during important holidays like Thanksgiving. Their commitment to their work means they might miss out on cherished family gatherings, traditions, and moments.   Despite the physical distance, their efforts create a ripple effect, impacting countless lives positively.   As we celebrate this season of gratitude, let us cherish the power of community, understanding, and shared strength that comes from supporting one another.   To our Vets4Warriors® peers and all those serving in essential roles, I extend my heartfelt gratitude this Thanksgiving. Your commitment and sacrifices enrich lives and ensure that no one walks their path alone.   Everyone at Vets4Warriors® joins me in wishing each of you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and the joy of cherished connections.   With heartfelt thanks,   Maj. Gen. Mark Graham (ret.), Executive Director, Vets4Warriors® ‘Discover the Power of Connection’   📞 To speak with a peer live, call Vets4Warriors® at 1-855-838-8255, visit www.Vets4Warriors.com, or follow us on social @Vets4Warriors to learn more. Our peers are standing by 24/7, 365 days a year.

On this Veterans Day, I extend my deepest gratitude to all our nation’s veterans, past and present. Your sacrifices, bravery, and unwavering dedication to our country have forged a legacy of honor and resilience that will never be forgotten. Each of you has faced trials and challenges that many will never comprehend, yet you have displayed an extraordinary strength that unites us all.   At Vets4Warriors®, we stand in awe of the incredible individuals who have served our nation, and it is our solemn commitment to ensure that you are never alone in your journey. As we commemorate this day, we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit that defines our military community, and we reaffirm our pledge to be a steadfast pillar of support for you.   Let us also recognize the immense power of peer support, as it creates a network of understanding and compassion, fostering a sense of unity and shared resilience. Our Vets4Warriors® peers, who have traversed their own paths in the military, are here to lend an empathetic ear, share their experiences, and guide you through any challenges you may face. We celebrate the bonds of camaraderie that transcend boundaries and create an enduring sense of community and strength.   To all veterans, we thank you, we honor you, and we remember always the profound impact of your service. May this day serve as a reminder that you are cherished and respected for the sacrifices you have made. Your courage inspires us all, and we remain committed to being here for you, now and always.   Please remember that Vets4Warriors® is here for you, ready to offer support and guidance. Reach out to us at 1-855-838-8255 or visit www.Vets4Warriors.com. Our peers stand ready to provide assistance 24/7, 365 days a year.   With utmost respect and gratitude,   Mark Graham, Major General, U.S. Army (ret.) Executive Director, Vets4Warriors® ‘Discover the Power of Connection’

No veteran should ever feel alone or unsupported... #military #mentalhealth #veterans #veteransupport

🇺🇸 September: Suicide Prevention Month 🤝 August closes, and we look ahead to a vital month: September, Suicide Prevention Month. This month, we shift our focus to address critical issues affecting our community. Loneliness and isolation, particularly among veterans, demand our immediate attention. At Vets4Warriors®, we are committed to confronting these challenges proactively, preventing crises, and offering steadfast support to our military community. Loneliness is a mounting concern in the US, exacting a toll on both mental and physical health. The US Surgeon General warns that lacking connections can raise the risk of premature death to levels akin to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Veterans, transitioning from military to civilian life, often grapple with loneliness and isolation, compounded by mental health issues like PTSD. Vets4Warriors®, a veteran-staffed peer support network, closely observes this issue. For over eight years, we've tracked call reasons, and loneliness and isolation consistently rank among the top five. There was a promising decline year after year. Regrettably, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reversed this trend. Once again, these issues surged as the primary concerns reported by our callers, underscoring the urgent need for support. Research shows that regularly confiding in others can decrease the likelihood of developing depression by up to 15% for individuals with traumatic experiences. That’s why our trained peers ensure ongoing connectivity with callers until their concerns are resolved. We also guarantee anonymity, connecting members of the military community with peers who understand their unique challenges. Our peer support specialists are available 24/7, offering solace, companionship, and providing resources and referrals to callers needing further assistance, guiding them toward community-based support groups, mental health professionals, and organizations tailored to their needs. For veterans in remote areas or stationed globally, accessing mental health and local support resources can be challenging. That's why our veteran peers are always ready to talk, regardless of the time or day. The power of peer connection is astounding. Social connection increases survival odds by 50%, according to the US Surgeon General. Loneliness poses a significant public health challenge, but with peer support and robust social connections, we can combat this epidemic and build a happier, healthier society. Remember, you're never alone on this journey. 📞 To speak with a peer, call Vets4Warriors® at 1-855-838-8255, visit www.Vets4Warriors.com, or follow us on social @Vets4Warriors to learn more. Note: If you’re a veteran in crisis, contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 988. Maj. Gen. Mark Graham (ret.), Executive Director, Vets4Warriors® ‘Discover the Power of Connection’