It is a tragic fact that every day, at least 22 veterans who have served our nation take their own lives. The weight of this unimaginable loss reverberates through families, communities, and the very fabric of our society. Now, envision a different reality, one where we come together, united in purpose, to face this devastating crisis head-on. This is the vision driving the powerful "Face the Fight" campaign, led by Andre Rush, a retired Army officer and former White House chef.

This multimillion-dollar initiative aims to halve the veteran suicide rate by 2030, Fox News reports.

Photo: Andre Rush 2019 (48647848408) Cropped, Wikimedia Commons / All-Pro Reels, License: CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
U.S. Army veteran and White House chef Andre Rush is behind the Face the Fight campaign to reduce veteran suicides.

Understanding the Problem

Rush was a witness to the 9/11 terrorist attack while working in Pentagon. It was after that tragedy that he began speaking out about veteran suicide and mental health. Rush lives with the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder himself, and admits he has been "facing the fight for a long time."

One of the more recent challenges Rush's fight has been dealing with the death of his 11-year-old daughter, Ava.

"Unfortunately my daughter and her brothers, their lives were taken by [the brothers'] father, who was a military veteran and also in the law enforcement area, and he took another command sergeant major's life as well. And he took his own life afterwards, and their mother gave me permission to talk about this because she can't, and she won't for a very long time," Rush told Muscle & Fitness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7duz08z1pVk

Ava and her brothers, as well as Sgt. Maj. Carlos Evans, were killed in South Carolina in March by Charles Slacks Jr., who also killed himself, WLTX reports.

Rush says he thinks about his loved ones and the number of his fellow veterans who commit suicide on a regular basis, and as a tribute to them, completes 2,222 pushups every day.

https://youtu.be/IX32WSnqsCQ

"It's a reminder to never become complacent, that we still have work to do and we still have to keep going," Rush told ABC News. "And you can't stop. You can never give up on something that you believe in, especially people."

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate among veterans has risen to 57.3% higher than that of non-veteran adults. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions and support systems to address the unique challenges faced by veterans.

Photo: Pixabay
Veteran suicides account for nearly 14% of all suicides in the United States.

The Face the Fight Campaign

Backed by USAA and philanthropic grants totaling $41 million, the "Face the Fight" campaign has garnered support from a diverse coalition of corporations, foundations, nonprofits, and veteran-focused organizations. With a mission to raise awareness and provide resources for veteran suicide prevention, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact in tackling this crisis.

Photo: Pixabay
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging and increase the risk of suicide.

The Role of Firearms and Storage Safety

According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, veterans are more likely to die by gun suicide (69%) than their civilian counterparts (48%).

As such, a critical aspect of the campaign's strategy is funding programs that promote voluntary, safe, and secure storage of firearms. Since, according to Everytown Reearch & Policy, the majority of veteran suicides involve guns, addressing responsible firearm storage becomes essential in mitigating the risk. By emphasizing the importance of safe storage practices, "Face the Fight" aims to prevent impulsive acts and provide a window of opportunity for individuals to reconsider their decision.

Photo: Pixabay
The stigma surrounding mental health prevents some veterans from seeking help.

Changing the Culture and Breaking the Stigma

One of the most significant barriers to preventing veteran suicide is the stigma associated with seeking help. By openly discussing and addressing suicide, organizations like USAA and community leaders can challenge the prevailing culture and encourage individuals to reach out for support. It is crucial to recognize that anyone, regardless of appearance or social media presence, can be affected by suicide, underscoring the need for empathy and understanding.

Supporting Veterans in Crisis

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it is essential to seek help promptly. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7. Additionally, the Veterans Crisis Line offers specialized assistance to veterans in crisis, accessible by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255.

Photo: Pixabay
On average, 22 veterans die by suicide each day.

Take Action and Face the Fight

"Face the Fight" aims to connect with community leaders and foster grassroots efforts in addressing veteran suicide. By involving local leaders, organizations, and individuals, the campaign seeks to build a collective understanding, share knowledge, and foster a sense of community. Together, we can create a support network that empowers veterans and promotes their well-being.

To support the critical efforts of Andre Rush and the "Face the Fight" campaign, we invite you to sign our petition and join a growing movement dedicated to saving lives and ensuring the well-being of those who have served our nation.

Join us in taking a stand against veteran suicide by signing the petition and spreading the word. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.