OUR MISSION
We are an IRS approved 501(c)3 nonprofit that is geared towards preventing veteran suicide. We are here to support the mental health of all veterans by organizing group outings, providing easy access to all veteran resources, and offering 24/7 support. Operation Prevent 22 also promotes and donates to other nonprofits and organizations that raise awareness to the same cause and supports the prevention of veteran suicide.
01 / Suicide Prevention
02 / Easy Access to Resources
03 / Brotherhood/ Sisterhood
Everyday 22 veterans commit suicide and that is 22 too many. Our mission is to help reduce and fight the war against veteran suicide by providing resources and camaraderie.
We have compiled a list of contacts and resources for easy access to help for veterans and their families. We also provide 24/7 support for any veteran in need of immediate assistance.
We host monthly outings for veterans suffering from physical and mental disabilities. We understand that transitioning to civilian life is difficult and lonely. This nonprofit is to bring veterans together to create new bonds and brotherhood/ sisterhood.
ABOUT US
Our story as a nonprofit began in August 2020, but our desire to help the veteran community starts back in 2014. Upon leaving the military, we realized just how broken and thinly stretched our VA was here in Phoenix. We didn't realize the severity until we were left without the help we needed for 7 years. As the years went on, we realized this is the norm for veterans. We watched our fellow veterans slowly travel down that dark road and eventually end their lives. We decided last year that we are going to do everything in our power to help prevent veteran suicide. We are here for you and your families and we won't stop until we get each veteran the help and camaraderie that they need.
Our vision is to continue offering resources and support to veterans struggling with mental disabilities like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. We will do monthly outings to provide the brotherhood/sisterhood they might have lost and the safe space they need. We will also be working hard to promote other local nonprofits and organizations for veterans. We have very big future goals, so stay tuned.
Testimonial
There was a time in my life where I was in a very dark place and deep in my active addiction. During those 7 years my buddy from the last unit I served and deployed to Afghanistan with, Mark Oshea WAS ALWAYS available to talk, and even went so far as to offer his home and to help me get a job. The only reason I declined was the distance I would be from my son. He is an amazing human being who truly cares deeply about this epidemic of Veteran Suicide. He helped me survive, and I will forever be in his debt. I love you bro
Edit. I wanted to write so much more, but bc I cant stand crying I had to end it here...Please know Mark that my son has his dad bc you constantly reminded me of him when I wanted to end my life...You are my hero man, and my son will always know your name
Til Valhalla
- Matthew Smith
Facts
>Suicidal risk is 1.5 times higher for veterans
>Veterans that experience a TBI are twice as likely to suffer from PTSD
>70% of veteran suicides are with a firearm
>Family educational materials have been developed to support your veteran, as well as counselling services
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"Veterans who died by suicide were more likely to have sleep disorders, traumatic brain injury, or a pain diagnosis. In addition, mental health diagnoses (including bipolar disorder, personality disorder, substance use disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders), inpatient mental health care, prior suicide attempts, prior calls to the Veterans Crisis Line, and prior mental health treatment were also associated with greater likelihood of suicide."
- National Veterans Suicide Prevention Annual Report
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Supportive measures include:
Camaraderie with other veterans​
PTSD treatment
Family support
Learning good coping and stress management skills
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. You can also text 838255 for 24/7 support. These numbers also support family of a service member and veterans.
GET IN TOUCH
Tel: (480) 244-5638
Tel: (702) 281-2712
Located in Avondale, AZ