Every single day, we face the heart-wrenching reality of veterans, the brave men and women who have served our nation, taking their own lives. This devastating loss ripples through our families, communities, and the very essence of our society. But today, we have the power to envision a different reality—a world where we stand together, united in purpose, to confront this crisis head-on. This is the driving force behind the formidable "Face the Fight¹" campaign, led by Andre Rush, a retired Army officer and former White House chef.

Help Veterans and Face the Fight

With the aim of halving the veteran suicide rate by 2030, the Face the Fight campaign has garnered significant support and gained recognition as a multimillion-dollar initiative². We believe that by joining forces and taking decisive action, we can create a future where the lives of our veterans are cherished and protected.

Andre Rush himself witnessed the horrors of the 9/11 terrorist attack while working at the Pentagon. It was this tragic event that compelled him to speak out about veteran suicide and mental health. Living with the enduring effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, Rush has been "facing the fight" for a long time³.

Unfortunately, Rush's personal connection to this cause runs even deeper. He tragically lost his 11-year-old daughter, Ava, along with her brothers, at the hands of a military veteran and law enforcement officer who later took his own life⁴. As a tribute to them and the countless others affected by suicide, Rush completes 2,222 pushups every day as a poignant reminder that we must continue our efforts and never become complacent⁵.

Understanding the Problem

The statistics paint a stark picture: the suicide rate among veterans is a staggering 57.3% higher than that of non-veteran adults, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs⁶. These figures demand immediate action and a comprehensive approach to address the unique challenges our veterans face.

With the generous support of USAA and philanthropic grants totaling $41 million, the Face the Fight campaign has united corporations, foundations, nonprofits, and veteran-focused organizations. Together, we are committed to raising awareness and providing vital resources for veteran suicide prevention, poised to make a lasting impact in combating this crisis⁷.

It is critical to acknowledge the correlation between firearms and veteran suicides. The 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report reveals that veterans are more likely to die by gun suicide (69%) compared to their civilian counterparts (48%)⁸. Consequently, the Face the Fight campaign emphasizes funding programs that promote voluntary, safe, and secure storage of firearms. By addressing responsible firearm storage, we can mitigate risks, prevent impulsive acts, and provide individuals with an opportunity to reconsider their decision⁹.

One of the most significant barriers to preventing veteran suicide is the stigma surrounding seeking help. By openly discussing and addressing suicide, we can challenge the prevailing culture and encourage individuals to reach out for support. Suicide does not discriminate, and it is essential to cultivate empathy and understanding, regardless of appearances or social media presence¹⁰.

Support Veterans in Crisis

"Face the Fight" is more than a campaign — it's a call to action for every individual, every community leader, and every organization. By engaging local leaders, organizations, and individuals, we aim to build a collective understanding, share knowledge, and foster a sense of community. Together, we can create a robust support network that empowers veterans and safeguards their well-being.

To support Andre Rush and the critical efforts of the Face the Fight campaign, we invite you to sign our petition. By adding your voice to this growing movement, you are contributing to saving lives and ensuring the well-being of those who have selflessly served our nation.

Sign now and take a stand against veteran suicide. Sign the petition and help spread the word. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

More on this issue:

1. USAA, USAA Community (29 June 2023), "Face the Fight™ Launches to Help Stop Veteran Suicide."
2. Brittany Kasko, Fox News (30 June 2023), "Presidential chef and Army veteran partners with USAA to bring greater awareness about veteran suicide."
3. Muscle and Fitness, YouTube (May 2023), "Chef Rush speaks about the tragic death of his 11 year old daughter Ava."
4. Christopher Buchanan, WLTX (25 March 2023), "Public visitation announced for children killed in Sumter."
5. Patrick Koenigs, ABC News (20 September 2022), "Veteran suicide rate is lowest in years, VA says, but advocates worry that's an undercount."
6. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (September 2022), "2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report."
7. USAA, PRNewswire (29 June 2023), "Face the Fight™ Launches to Help Stop Veteran Suicide."
8. Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (September 2021), "2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report."
9. Everytown Research & Policy (16 November 2021), "Those Who Serve."
10. Marie-Louise Sharp, Nicola T. Fear, Roberto J. Rona, Simon Wessely, Neil Greenberg, Norman Jones, Laura Goodwin, Epidemiologic Reviews (16 January 2015), "Stigma as a Barrier to Seeking Health Care Among Military Personnel With Mental Health Problems."
11. USAA (29 June 2023), "Face the Fight™ Launches to Help Stop Veteran Suicide."