Help Heroes 'Face the Fight' and End Veteran Suicides
11,977 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Veterans Site
The "Face the Fight" campaign, led by U.S. Army veteran Andre Rush, aims to halve the suicide rate among veterans by 2030. Take action to help veterans!
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.
- USAA, USAA Community (29 June 2023), "Face the Fight™ Launches to Help Stop Veteran Suicide."
- Brittany Kasko, Fox News (30 June 2023), "Presidential chef and Army veteran partners with USAA to bring greater awareness about veteran suicide."
- Muscle and Fitness, YouTube (May 2023), "Chef Rush speaks about the tragic death of his 11 year old daughter Ava."
- Christopher Buchanan, WLTX (25 March 2023), "Public visitation announced for children killed in Sumter."
- Patrick Koenigs, ABC News (20 September 2022), "Veteran suicide rate is lowest in years, VA says, but advocates worry that's an undercount."
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (September 2022), "2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report."
- USAA, PRNewswire (29 June 2023), "Face the Fight™ Launches to Help Stop Veteran Suicide."
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (September 2021), "2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report."
- Everytown Research & Policy (16 November 2021), "Those Who Serve."
- 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."
- USAA (29 June 2023), "Face the Fight™ Launches to Help Stop Veteran Suicide."
The Petition:
Dear Andre Rush,
We, the undersigned, are writing to express our wholehearted support for the "Face the Fight" campaign, an ambitious initiative aimed at reducing the alarming rate of veteran suicide. We commend your dedication and leadership in advocating for the well-being of our military veterans and your unwavering commitment to this critical cause.
As concerned citizens, we recognize the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by our veterans. The statistics surrounding veteran suicide rates are deeply troubling and demand immediate action. It is incumbent upon us as a society to come together and provide the support, resources, and interventions necessary to prevent these tragic losses.
The "Face the Fight" campaign, backed by USAA and supported by a diverse coalition of corporations, foundations, nonprofits, and veteran-focused organizations, represents a beacon of hope in the battle against veteran suicide. The campaign's mission to halve the suicide rate among veterans by 2030 is an ambitious yet crucial goal that aligns with our collective desire to ensure the well-being and honor the sacrifices of those who have served our nation.
We commend the campaign's focus on promoting awareness, funding prevention programs, and fostering a culture that encourages open dialogue about mental health and suicide. By addressing the root causes, challenging stigmas, and providing access to vital resources, "Face the Fight" offers a comprehensive approach to combating this crisis.
We understand that reducing veteran suicide requires the active involvement and support of communities nationwide. We pledge our commitment to spreading awareness, engaging in meaningful conversations, and supporting initiatives that prioritize mental health care for veterans. By working together, we can build a safety net of care and understanding that will save lives and ensure our veterans receive the support they deserve.
Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge you to continue your unwavering dedication to the "Face the Fight" campaign. We ask you to utilize our collective voices and resources to advocate for increased funding, expanded access to mental health services, and the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and reduce the incidence of suicide within this honorable community.
Thank you, Mr. Rush, for your tireless efforts to protect and support our veterans. We stand with you and the "Face the Fight" campaign, ready to lend our support and amplify the message of hope, resilience, and compassion. Let us unite in this crucial endeavor and work towards a future where no veteran feels alone or without the help they need.
Please accept our deepest gratitude for your commitment to this critical cause. We look forward to seeing the "Face the Fight" campaign achieve its ambitious goals and bring about lasting change in the lives of our veterans.
Sincerely,
