How Community and Connections Save Lives
How Community and Connection Save Lives: Stories from Our Heroes Returning to civilian life after military service can be challenging, especially for veterans grappling with the visible and invisible wounds of war. For some, the weight of their experiences can become overwhelming. But at Semper Fi & America’s Fund, we know that a strong community and meaningful connections can make all the difference. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month this September, we’re sharing the stories of two veterans, Tyler and Natalie, whose journeys illustrate the life-saving impact of the support and resources provided by The Fund. Tyler’s Story: A New Path to Hope Out on the water, Tyler found a renewed sense of purpose and a community that understood his journey. “Being out on the water, surrounded by people who’ve been through what I have, it’s like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Tyler says. “The Fund gave me that lifeline.” Tyler’s experience highlights the importance of having people who understand and support you, especially during tough times. Natalie’s Story: Finding Strength in Community With the help of her case manager, Natalie joined Team Semper Fi, an adaptive sports program that allowed her to reconnect with others and rediscover her love for life. The friendships she formed with fellow veterans became a crucial part of her recovery. “Before The Fund, I was just getting by,” Natalie shares. “Now, I’m part of something larger, and I have a family that truly cares about me.” Natalie’s journey shows how vital it is to have a network of support, especially when facing significant challenges. The Fund’s Lifelong Support Semper Fi & America’s Fund offers more than just financial help—it provides a community. Through our programs, veterans like Tyler and Natalie are finding hope, healing, and connection. Whether through sports, peer mentorship, or unit reunions, The Fund is committed to fostering relationships that save lives. This Suicide Prevention Month, we encourage you to join us in raising awareness about the issue of veteran suicide. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes. If you or someone you know is struggling, know that you are not alone. Please use the following resources to reach out for help. Crisis Hotlines National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Veterans Crisis Line Crisis Text Line Disaster Distress Helpline Drug or Alcohol Abuse National Domestic Violence Hotline Chat: Domestic Violence Support (thehotline.org) Text “START” to: 88788 24/7 free, confidential support for anyone who is experiencing domestic violence and/or abuse, plus anyone concerned about a friend, family member, or loved one. Support in more than 200 languages.
Tyler’s story is one of resilience amid hardship. After multiple deployments, Tyler faced the ongoing challenges of post-traumatic stress, which led him to a dark place. Feeling disconnected from the world, he struggled with thoughts of suicide.
For Natalie, the transition to civilian life was marked by physical and emotional struggles. Injuries sustained during her service left her feeling isolated and burdened. But through The Fund’s support, Natalie found a path to healing.
Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Also available for Spanish speakers and anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing. In the UK the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In Australia, Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
Call: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: Connect online
24/7 free confidential support open to all veterans, military members, family, and friends.
Text HOME to: 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
U.S. and Canada: text 741741
UK: text 85258 | Ireland: text 50808
crisistextline.org
Message Crisis Text Line on Facebook [must be logged into a Facebook account] 24/7 free confidential support from volunteer counselors, supervised by a licensed, trained mental health professional. It may take a few moments to connect.
Call or text: 1-800-985-5990
Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA
24/7 free national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Spanish speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for 24/7 bilingual support.
Call 911 in any emergency situation regarding drug, alcohol, or substance use.
Call: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) / TTY 1.800.787.3224
