SAVE22 ® – First Responder & Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention

the SAVE22 ® mission

S.A.V.E.

raising awareness

SAVE22®, a registered 501©(3) organization, wholeheartedly dedicates itself to combating suicide among veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders. We stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have selflessly served our nation and local communities. By actively listening to their stories, we ensure that they are never alone or forgotten. When they grapple with the haunting shadows of their past, we provide unwavering support and guide them toward healing.

To provide outreach and support programs to military veterans and first responders in the fight to end suicide.

Our unwavering mission extends to four critical pillars:

  • Support – Our primary mission is to provide essential support services to those affected by suicide. This includes counseling and access to valuable resources.

  • Assist – In our tireless efforts to foster positive relationships with organizations supporting this cause, we aim to offer assistance to those seeking help.

  • Volunteer – With unwavering commitment, we strive to create outreach programs that reach individuals at risk of suicide—especially those who may not know where to seek help.

  • Educate – Our focus lies in empowering local organizations and community leaders. We provide comprehensive training and resources for suicide prevention.

In short, we S.A.V.E.

SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide

the SAVE22 ® team

VOLUNTEERS

THE SAVE22® TEAM

SAVE22®, an all-volunteer workforce, relies on funding from donations, grants, and merchandise sales. All proceeds received directly support our programs, which aim to assist veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders.

Veterans

Our workforce consists entirely of dedicated volunteers.

Active Duty

Funding is sourced from donations, grants, and sales.

First Responders

All proceeds directly contribute to our programs.

“What started as a U.S. Marine taking a walk to spread the word and educate people about veteran suicide rapidly evolved into more than anyone could have imagined.” – Tom Indorf ~ Founder

THE SAVE22® VALUES

Not all wounds are physical. When the pain of those wounds becomes overwhelming, we step in to help in any way we can. “;IGY6” is not just a phrase we say; it’s a phrase we live by.

Integrity

SAVE22®’s ethical and moral center comprises honesty, honor, good character, equity, truth, sincerity, and trust.

Community

SAVE22® began in a small town, and we maintain a strong sense of community.

Empowerment

SAVE22® strives to provide each veteran or first responder with the ability to reclaim their life by becoming stronger and more confident.

Service Before Self

The team is greater than the individual, and the mission depends on every team member fulfilling their role.

SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide

the SAVE22 ® numbers

Understanding The Crisis

According to reports, the suicide rates per 100,000 individuals in the active-duty services were as follows:
  • Army: 23

  • Marine Corps: 23.1

  • Air Force: 14.4

  • Navy: 13.4

However, the situation is even more critical for our veterans:
Veteran Suicide Rates vs. Civilian Rates
  • In 2020, the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among veterans was 57.3% higher than the rate among non-veteran U.S. adults.

  • From 2001 to 2020, veteran suicide deaths consistently outpaced those of non-veteran U.S. adults.

  • While there was a decrease in suicide rates from 2019 to 2020, veterans still face higher risks compared to their civilian counterparts.

Age Statistics
  • Veterans face unique challenges based on their age. The VA’s efforts to address suicide prevention take into account the diverse age groups within the veteran population.

  • The struggle is particularly pronounced during the transition from military service to civilian life, affecting veterans of all ages.

Chronic Conditions and Mental Health
  • Chronic physical and mental health conditions contribute significantly to suicide risk.

  • Veterans often grapple with conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

  • These conditions, combined with the stressors of military service and reintegration, increase the vulnerability of veterans to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

First Responders
  • First responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, also face elevated suicide risks.

  • The cumulative impact of trauma exposure, high-stress work environments, and emotional strain contributes to their vulnerability.

SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide

the SAVE22 ® vision

H.O.P.E.

We are wholeheartedly dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention among veterans and first responders. Our unwavering belief is that suicide is preventable, and we remain committed to providing essential resources and unwavering support to those who grapple with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

In pursuit of our vision, we strive to reach as many veterans, active-duty personnel, first responders, and adjacent family members as possible. We wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to offer awareness, prevention, and outreach to communities. Our utmost priority is to meet the unique needs and requests of the organizations that seek our assistance.

In short, we operate with H.O.P.E.:

  • Hike – Every year, on the first Saturday in May—recognized as Veteran’s Suicide Awareness Day in Ohio, we organize an annual hike. This event allows everyone to honor their loved ones, whether they have experienced loss or are survivors. It also raises awareness for those battling their inner demons, reminding them that they are not alone. Veterans, first responders, and local communities come together, offering support and sometimes the closure many seek.

  • Outreach – Within our family, we stand as loyal brothers, sisters, and confidantes. When the struggle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety becomes overwhelming, we step in. Day or night, our members have engaged in conversations, traveled to be by someone’s side, and provided transportation for brothers and sisters in the throes of internal conflict.

  • Programs – Our programs are thoughtfully designed as small, informal groups—usually consisting of 4-8 participants at a time, with occasional exceptions. While some programs take place at larger venues, there will always be someone willing to step outside the crowd for private, one-on-one time.

  • Events – The foundation of our outreach lies in events. These gatherings allow us to connect with communities directly. Events serve as the primary source of our impact and assistance. We actively participate in events that cater to our targeted demographic, ensuring that our message reaches those who need it most.

SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide

the SAVE22 ® programs

GET INSPIRED

5+

Activities

7k+

Registered Enthusiasts

8+

Years of Experience

5.0

Average Stars

SAVE22® Latest Remembrance Wall Entry

SAVE22® stands shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who have served our country.

Join Us and Be Prepared to Experience New Adventures

Help inspire

SAVE22® hosts or participates in events that benefit our non-profit and helps us reach more veterans, active duty, first responders and their families.

If you would like SAVE22® to be represented at an event, you can fill out the request form above. Please note that a minimum of 30 days’ notice is required.

Get inspired

SAVE22® strives to reach as many veterans, active-duty personnel, first responders, and adjacent family members as possible.

SAVE22® welcomes the opportunity to offer awareness, prevention, and outreach to communities and we do our best to meet the needs and requests of the organizations that reach out.

Be inspiring

In the SAVE22® family, we are your loyal brothers, sisters, and confidantes who provide support and resources when the struggle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety becomes overwhelming.

Day or night, our members have spoken with, traveled to, and transported a brother or sister in the throes of internal conflict.

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S.T.A.N.D. with SAVE22®

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SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
support the cause

Please consider helping raise funds SAVE22®.

SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
Salutes from our SAVES

“What started out as a Marine wanting to take a walk…”

Tom Indorf

“I myself, have used art as a way to express my emotions for many years. Over the last few years, I have used art as a productive outlet when words were not enough or too much to even speak. I now use art not only for myself, but to help others. In 2018 SAVE22® helped save me and I now use my art to design many different aspects to help SAVE22® save others as they saved me!”

Andrew Burgan

“As someone who battles severe anxiety, unplugging from society is my go-to form of meditation. Sometimes just walking around our property looking for mushrooms or sassafras, and just focusing on the green space around me is enough to calm my racing thoughts and heart. Other times, it’s just not far enough away and I need to retreat to more primitive spaces. A weekend in the mountains has renewed my inner peace and given me strength to keep going more than a few times.”

B

SAVE22® provided me purpose when I thought I had none.

Jason Rutledge

SAVE22® pulled me out of my deepest hole.

Justin Christner

SAVE22® showed me that by listening we can speak volumes to those in need.  It has also unlocked a gift and passion I did not know I had.

John Moser

SAVE22® gave me hope when I thought all was lost.

Brandon Cannon

SAVE22® came into my life right after losing a fellow veteran. I was struggling with survivors’ guilt, alcohol issues and pills. This group of people changed my life and gave me purpose. They accepted me with zero judgement and helped me through. I am definitely a better person because of SAVE22® and what we can do together.

Albert Woodin

SAVE22® gave me the mission and the purpose to help other veterans discover their own mission and purpose.

Nick Trussell
SAVE22® Coalition Partnerships
SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide
SAVE22® Official Partners
SAVE22® - The Home of Suicide Awareness & Prevention for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders - Fighting First Responder & Veteran Suicide