An average of 18 U.S. military veterans die by suicide every day.
From 2001 to 2024, during the Global War on Terror, more than 7,000 military members died in combat. In less than 25 years, 140,000 veterans have taken their own lives.
The numbers are staggering. But a group of veterans in Post Falls, Idaho is determined to change that. American Legion Post 143, the largest in Idaho, is teaming with Be The One, a national organization working to help curb the nation’s veteran suicide epidemic.
“Because we are the largest post in the state, we have a certain responsibility and a duty,” Post Commander Tim Shaw told KREM 2 News in Idaho. “These numbers are horrific. Something has to be done.”
Post 143 recently launched the official Idaho chapter of Be The One. The program’s goal is to help a veteran showing signs of depression by identifying specific characteristics. Be The One stresses the importance of simply contacting a veteran, asking them how they’re doing; listening to a veteran when they feel the urge to talk, and encouraging them to reach out for support when they’re struggling.
The organization’s objective is to connect with a veteran before they start showing suicidal ideation.
“We want to get in the way of that process,” Shaw said.
Most veterans know someone who has taken their own life. It’s an issue that’s hit close to home for some veterans in Post 143. That’s why they’re stepping up to try to prevent the next suicide.
One problem veterans organizations have wrestled with in recent decades is declining membership numbers. American Legions and VFWs need to provide a welcoming environment and a hook to draw veterans into their buildings.
Last weekend, it was football.
Post 143 hosted a watch party to celebrate the annual Army vs. Navy game in Baltimore, Maryland. The contest was a thriller, with the Naval Academy squeaking out a 17-16 victory with a late touchdown. The American Legion Post was expecting about 200 people to attend. Over drinks, food, and football, they were hoping to recruit new members for Be The One.
Members can then go through the Columbia Protocol Training, a program from the Columbia Lighthouse Project, to study the signs of a veteran at risk for suicide.
Once they get members signed up, similar to military life, the legion hopes to work as a team, getting help to more veterans in need. While it’s a small step, post members say doing something to help reduce veteran suicide is better than doing nothing.
Post member “Davy” Crockett oversaw the Be The One booth at last Saturday’s watch party. The 22-year Navy veteran was especially excited when Midshipmen quarterback Blake Horvath hit receiver Eli Heidenreich for an 8-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal for the go-ahead score with 6:32 remaining in the game.
Crockett was also proud to support an organization that he says saves lives.
“I probably wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for something like this,” Crockett told the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press. “I finally found God, and that was it. He carried me through.”
The Navy veteran said most people don’t realize the struggle some veterans face after leaving the service. But having a place like Post 143, with people who have gone through similar experiences, provides solace.
“This has been my go-to place,” Crockett said. “The people here are what make it what it is.”
Veterans who need help can call the U.S. Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988.
