The American Legion's
'Be The One' Mission:
Changing Lives, and Saving Lives
At its core, Be the One is The American Legion’s top priority, a mission to reduce the number of veterans and servicemembers who die by suicide. Various estimates have put the daily toll at 18 or 22, while others say those figures underestimate the real number. In any case, The American Legion believes one is too many.
That is why The American Legion has prioritized raising awareness about the issue, reassuring those who find themselves struggling that it is “OK to not be OK.” Our goal is to talk openly and boldly about the challenges affecting Americans every day.
Testimonials
The video collection below feature veterans who have shared their personal mental health struggles and attempts of suicide in a effort to shine a light on the 'Be The One' Mission dedicated to saving the lives of veterans.
These videos have been quoted in Congressional testimonies, featured on the main stage of The American Legion's National Convention, and most importantly spread the message across the veteran community that it is "okay to not be okay".
Be The One to Save One...
When Navy First Class Petty Officer Josh Savage, a racing fan, saw The American Legion Be the One display at the INDYCAR race in St. Petersburg, Fla., in 2023, he felt a connection. When he reached out to American Legion Family members at the mobile unit, he received such support and camaraderie that he shared his ongoing experience with therapy and threw his support behind the Be the One mission.
WHY THE AMERICAN LEGION 'BE THE ONE' MISSION MATTERS
American Legion members rallied to save a distraught veteran. He then found his niche to pay it forward in his community. Now, as a post commander, he shares the importance of the 'Be The One' mission.
SOUTH CAROLINA POST COMMANDER SHARES 'BE THE ONE' MESSAGE
Dalzell - Shaw Post 175 Commander Jack Lonergan shares how the Legion's 'Be The One' mission has led him to share his personal story of surviving suicide in hope of inspiring those struggling to get help.
Mental Health Matters
During his official visit to the Department of Maine, American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer delivered his "Be The One" message and stressed the importance of Buddy Checks to a town still reeling from a mass shooting on Oct. 25, which took 18 lives.
Hopefully,
it's an INCONVENIENCE For Them
An Illinois Post Family hosts it's second annual Be the One walk to raise awareness about veteran suicide and destigmatizing the need to ask for help. More than 100 people joined the 8-mile walk, helping to raise nearly $12,000.
Be The One Toolkit
The Be The One Toolkit and Resource Guide was created to inspire veterans to "Be The One to Save One Veteran".
I assisted in spearheading this project and provided creative support for visuals included in this toolkit.