This book is based around a series of projects I did for Design Studio 01. The Idea behind the projects was that I wanted to make an attempt to help fellow veterans seek help for mental health issues and attempt to curb the alarmingly high suicide rate among U.S. military veterans.
“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.� -Dan Lipinski
“I am not a Veteran, but I have friends who are and I appreciate the sacrifices they made and empathize with the trials they face even at home. I hope to work hard for veterans in the future. Thank you!�
“Don’t let coming back get you down. Surviving isn’t a sin. Your brothers would not want you to live in guilt. Make them proud and ask for help if you need it.” friend of a friend who felt it too much.”
While the vast majority of the participants kept their notes short and vague, there was quite a few people who wrote very personal notes. Which just shows how many people have a personal connection to the veteran community.
IT’S NEVER T
ASK FO
HEL
TOO LATE TO
OR
LP
Even though some people didn’t want to or know what to write, they were very excited to have the opportunity to write something as simple as “thank you!”.
1-800-273-TALk Veterans Press 1 Veterans Chat can be accessed at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net. Veterans Text is available at 838255.
=10,000 IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS =10,000 CURRENT U.S. MILITARY VETERANS
25% of these Responders are Veterans themselves
The 24/7 Veterans Crissis Line is manned by 255 specially trained and dedicated responders
“So many people were so excited to participate, I was worried I’d have to bug people to write something up, but at times there was even a line for people to get their voices up on the board. It was amazing.” -Nolan Fast
SUICIDE. It doesn’t only affect you.
PULL ME
Veteran suicide is a problem, but I think it’s a problem we can fix. We need to come together and do something about it, we need to look after each other. It only takes a second to ask someone how they’re doing or pick up a phone and make a call.
#messagetovets
WANT TO SHARE YOUR
OWN MESSAGE?
Write your message and share it with the hash-tag #messagetovets, and let your veterans feel the love! You can also give someone else the same opportunity by giving them the removable sticky note and asking them to share it!
Thank you to all veterans and active duty service members. The sacrifices and situations you’ve lived through are not in vain. Keep powering forward, and if you’re in need, ask for help. Your veteran brothers and sisters are here for you.