Please Read and Consider

Twenty Two.

I want you to remember that number, we're going to come back to it.

Over the past couple of years you all have graciously put up with some of my discussions regarding the issues facing our military veterans. Things like post traumatic stress. Traumatic brain injuries. Social acceptance and re-integration. A plethora of things which our society, our Veteran's Administration and our own warrior culture make difficult, if not life-altering for those who have served their nation overseas. Particularly given the stigma such labels bring - whether the issues of society, medical and legal judgements regarding one's stability and safety in the community at large; or the (often more demanding) internal group pressures to "suck it up," "put it behind you," and all the other things which makes it hard for men and women to accept these problems, much less seek help for them.

And, with overseas conflicts continuing to involve our troops for a second decade, as well as an unstable international environment, there is no end in sight - which only means more people who have chosen to serve will have to face these issues in one way or another.

Twenty Two.

Multiply it by thirty = sixty six.

By 365 = 8030.

You see "Twenty Two" is important to me, and to a growing number of other people.

Twenty Two is the number of veterans, each and every day, who commit suicide in this nation.

That's the number of men and women who, for whatever reason, decide that the pain is too much, that there are no other options, and that the easiest way out is to end their own life. Leaving their loved ones, their friends, their comrades in arms to deal with the aftermath. Making a final choice to kill themselves rather than to struggle on.

I want to give you a number for comparison. 6133. That's the TOTAL US casualties from 2001-2014 in Afghanistan and Iraq combined for military troops.

We lose more men and women every year to suicide than we have in over a decade of combat. Think about that.

Twenty Two people a day.

Which brings us to my request today.

As I said, a growing number of veteran's organizations, families, and other groups are trying to combat this. Attempting to fill the gaps which the VA can't reach, and to cross the bridge through peer support in hopes that a shared bond can help some of these people find hope instead of losing it all.

One of these is #Mission22. The group came of out certain special operations units but is rapidly growing beyond that. Their mission is particularly to address the stigmas involving PTSD, TBI and veteran suicides, and to help our brothers and sisters.

As part of this they are holding a raffle as a fundraiser. The goal is to raise $20,000 by May and they are already halfway there. 

Winning prizes include a custom, hand-built 1911 pistol as well as a host of other items.

Tickets are $5 each.

Here's what I'm asking - go to the site.

Sign up for at least one ticket. But I'm asking something more.

Between ticket(s) and donations, give the group at least $22 dollars. However you choose to split it. To remember why we are doing this, the Twenty Two lives that ended today.

I need a custom .45 like I need a third arm, but I'm doing it. $22 is less than it costs to take my family through the drive-thru for lunch, and it's a much worthier cause.

In fact, I promise this - should, by some chance, I win - I'll auction the package off and donate every cent back to #Mission22. Sworn and promised here publicly.

If you can all afford it I beg you to donate as you can. Forward this as well, spread the message to those who can also help.

Let's push them over the top in ways they never imagined. Let's drive this mission forward and help these men and women find some peace.

Those Twenty Two deserve it.