The charities listed below all support veterans in one way or another, and with a simple donation you can begin to make an impact right away. If you’re looking to make a year-round difference (like a New Year’s resolution would suggest) then consider setting up a recurring, monthly donation to any of the fine charities listed below.
If you’re running low on cash, consider donating your time instead. In addition to the charities listed above, many organizations have ways that you can directly volunteer your time to make a difference in the lives of one or more veterans.
One of the most challenging things for veterans upon returning home is the transition from military life to civilian life. The hunt for a 9-5 can be a daunting one, which is why so many programs and organizations exist to help ease veterans into the workforce. If you’re an employer, you can make sure your organization is doing their part by hiring former veterans to come work for you.
That’s right. Sometimes the only thing you have to do is extend a helping hand or be patient when others might have already given up. It cannot be overstated just how important a sense of belonging, community, and acceptance can be to a veteran returning home.
According to data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 2.8 million veterans had a substance use disorder in 2021.
92.4% of them did not receive treatment.
That same year, 3.1 million veterans suffered from mental health struggles.
43.6% of them did not receive treatment.
By simply being present in the life of veterans you know, you can see warning signs for issues like these and help your veteran navigate the road to healing and recovery. Your love and support alone may even help prevent the issues from manifesting altogether.
If you can only do one thing on this list in 2024, this one is potentially by far the most impactful. It’s something you can do every day that costs you nothing. But you don’t have to wait until 2024 to start doing this.
In fact, you can begin right now.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
]]>The Origins of Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day, initially known as Armistice Day, traces its roots back to the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918… at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month…an armistice was signed. This monumental event marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. In the years following, Armistice Day became a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in World War I.
In 1954, recognizing the need to honor veterans of all wars, the U.S. Congress officially changed the name to Veteran’s Day. It became a day not just to remember World War I but to pay tribute to all American veterans, acknowledging their service, patriotism, and the tremendous debt of gratitude owed to them.
The Challenges Faced by Veterans
While Veteran’s Day is a time of celebration, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the challenges many veterans face, particularly those dealing with the invisible wounds of war such as PTSD. The experiences of combat can leave lasting psychological effects, impacting the mental health and well-being of veterans.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common challenge among veterans, manifesting as a result of exposure to traumatic events. It can affect daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the unique struggles faced by veterans with PTSD is integral to offering meaningful support and assistance.
Resources for Veterans with PTSD
Numerous resources are available to assist veterans in coping with PTSD and reclaiming their lives. Organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Give an Hour, and the Veterans Crisis Line offer support, counseling, and outreach programs.
In addition to the above resources, Face of Combat offers our own page of resources which you can find by clicking here.
Celebrating Resilience and Recovery
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, let us not only express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our veterans but also remember those facing the silent battles of PTSD. By understanding their challenges and providing access to the necessary resources, we can contribute to the healing and well-being of those who have given so much for our freedom. This Veteran’s Day, let our appreciation be more than words – let it be a commitment to supporting those who have served.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
]]>Disabled veterans often encounter numerous obstacles as they seek employment in the civilian workforce. Their disabilities may be physical, such as combat-related injuries, or mental, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These challenges can make the transition from military service to the civilian job market a daunting prospect.
One of the key challenges is the potential mismatch between military skills and civilian job requirements. Many veterans possess valuable skills such as leadership, adaptability, and teamwork but may unfortunately struggle to transfer these skills to their civilian roles in an environment that is quite different from what they’re used to. Additionally, physical disabilities can create barriers to certain types of employment altogether.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was established to raise awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the contributions of disabled workers. For disabled veterans, this month holds particular importance as it underscores the value they bring to the workforce and the need for inclusive hiring practices. All too often, veterans slip through the cracks in a system that can sometimes seem indifferent to their needs at best and downright hostile to their needs at worst. By utilizing NDEAM’s spotlight on the disabled workforce, we can further hone in on the struggle of our veterans to hopefully get them the help they desperately need and deserve.
If you’re an employer or other organization that is looking to make your workplace as inclusive as possible for disabled veterans, there are a few things you can look out for. This support includes:
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of disabled veterans and promote opportunities for their continued success. By recognizing the unique skills and experiences that disabled veterans bring to the workforce and by providing the necessary support and accommodations, employers and society as a whole can ensure that disabled veterans find meaningful and fulfilling careers after their service to the nation. This October, let us remember and honor the sacrifices of our disabled veterans and take meaningful steps to support their journey in the civilian workforce.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
]]>That’s because the toll of PTSD doesn’t stop at the veteran; it ripples through their families. In this article, we’ll delve into the often-overlooked impact of PTSD on military families. We’ll explore how the trauma endured during service affects not only the veteran but also their loved ones. Understanding this ripple effect is crucial for supporting both veterans and their families on their journey to recovery.
The Veteran’s Burden:
Before delving into the impact on families, it’s essential to understand the weight of PTSD on veterans themselves. These individuals often carry invisible scars from their service, leading to nightmares, flashbacks, anger, and isolation. Coping with these symptoms is a daily struggle, one that can strain both familial relationships and other aspects of a veteran’s day-to-day life.
The Family’s Role:
Military families play a vital role in supporting veterans with PTSD. Spouses, children, parents, and siblings become unofficial caregivers, even if they don’t have formal training. They provide emotional support, offer a listening ear, and, at times, must navigate challenging situations when the veteran is in crisis.
The Strain on Relationships:
One of the most immediate impacts of PTSD on families is the strain it places on relationships. Spouses may grapple with understanding their partner’s unpredictable behavior and mood swings. Children might be frightened or confused when a parent experiences a flashback. This strain can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even resentment, further complicating the path to recovery.
Parenting Challenges:
Military families with children face unique parenting challenges when a parent has PTSD. The need to provide emotional support to both the veteran and the children can be overwhelming. Moreover, veterans with PTSD may struggle with parenting, feeling disconnected or unable to fully engage due to their symptoms.
Financial Stress:
Veterans with PTSD may find it challenging to maintain steady employment, which can lead to financial instability. This instability, coupled with the medical costs associated with treatment, can create immense stress within the family. The burden of managing finances can fall on the spouse, adding to their already considerable responsibilities.
Breaking the Silence:
One of the most significant barriers to healing for military families dealing with PTSD is the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many veterans and their families suffer in silence, fearing judgment or repercussions. Breaking this silence is crucial. Encouraging open communication within the family and seeking professional help when needed can be transformative.
Support Systems:
There is an increasing recognition of the need for support systems specifically tailored to military families dealing with PTSD. These include family counseling services, support groups, and online resources. Organizations like the National Military Family Association and Give an Hour provide valuable assistance to both veterans and their families.
Resilience and Recovery:
Despite the challenges, military families can emerge from the shadow of PTSD stronger and more resilient. The journey to recovery involves both the veteran and their loved ones working together, seeking therapy, and finding healthy coping mechanisms. This process can strengthen family bonds and create a deeper understanding of the experiences faced during military service.
So as the holidays begin, remember:
PTSD’s ripple effect on military families is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. Understanding and addressing this impact is crucial for holistic recovery. By providing support, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and fostering open communication, we can help military families not only survive but thrive in the face of PTSD’s challenges. It’s a reminder that healing is not just an individual journey but a collective one, undertaken by families who stand strong together.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
]]>Adventure Therapy is primarily based around the healing properties of interacting with nature in fun, exciting ways, hence why its often referred to as Outdoor Therapy. It can be practiced alone but is often done as a group to utilize the healing power of group therapy through shared activities. Performing Adventure Therapy with others fosters a sense of community among each member involved, leading to many positive benefits down the line in addition to the naturally therapeutic activities each person is performing outside.
These activities can be almost anything, from hiking, fishing, or hunting to ultimate frisbee and horseback riding. Some groups will hike out into the wilderness together and camp for a weekend or more. The sky is quite literally the limit when it comes to Adventure Therapy, so there’s almost certainly an activity out there for everyone.
While there isn’t a lot of data specifically studying Adventure Therapy since its still relatively new, its actually quite easy to see how it could be beneficial for many people. Most of the activities involve some form of exercise, which has many studies supporting it as a form of therapy. Since almost all of the activities take place outside, there are also the benefits of getting fresh sunshine and interacting with nature. When looked at individually, it’s easy to see how the separate therapeutic parts can come together to make Adventure Therapy an effective alternative to more traditional forms of therapy.
Knowing the benefits of Adventure Therapy, several organizations have risen up to provide a place where veterans specifically can go through the therapy with other veterans.
The Warrior Bonfire Program is one such program, with an emphasis on providing adventure therapy for Purple Heart medal recipients. They have multiple camping retreats per month and each group is made up of six Purple Heart recipients.
Warriors & Quite Waters provides something similar, allowing their veterans access to a sprawling outdoor ranch located in the heart of Montana for fishing, hunting, and building a sense of community with other veterans. Instead of Purple Heart recipients, this program emphasizes assistance for any combat veterans who served post 9/11.
Outward Bound for Veterans is a program run by the Outward Bound organization and serves over 600 veterans per year. Much like the other programs, the emphasis here is on a camping retreat with other veterans. Outward Bound takes a unique approach however, incorporating certain aspects of military life into the camping retreat in order to recontexualize those experiences in a positive, supportive environment.
These are but three of the many options available to veterans seeking Adventure/Outdoor therapy. Several other such programs exist in a smaller, more local capacity, so it never hurts to search online for similar programs near you!
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
]]>Gardening has been a beloved pastime for centuries, and its therapeutic benefits are now scientifically recognized. Horticulture therapy involves engaging in gardening tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting plants, as well as caring for them. These activities promote relaxation, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose – factors that can be particularly beneficial to veterans struggling with PTSD.
Horticulture therapy is tailored to meet the specific needs of veterans with PTSD. Therapists and horticulturists collaborate to design personalized programs that address the unique challenges faced by each individual. These programs incorporate therapeutic activities that encourage self-expression, emotional processing, and the development of coping strategies to manage trauma-related symptoms effectively.
Within the realm of horticulture therapy, mindfulness techniques hold a particularly crucial role. By encouraging veterans to be fully present while engaging in gardening tasks, they can effectively redirect their thoughts from traumatic memories, lessening the intensity of their PTSD symptoms.
Planting activities in horticulture therapy extend beyond the physical act itself; they also carry symbolic significance. Veterans can draw parallels between their journey of recovery and the growth of a seed into a thriving plant. This symbolism reinforces the idea that healing is not only possible but also achievable through this therapeutic process.
The environment necessary for horticulture therapy also plays a role in the recovery process. Horticulture therapy often unfolds in tranquil garden settings, providing veterans with a safe and calming environment that is beneficial to their healing process. The presence of natural elements, such as fresh air, sunlight, and greenery, plays a pivotal role in reducing stress levels and evoking positive emotions among the participants.
A unique facet of horticulture therapy lies in the creation of gardens specifically designed to be therapeutic both to the people who grow them and the people who visit them. These gardens are purposefully designed to promote healing and rehabilitation. By incorporating sensory elements, wheelchair-accessible pathways, and relaxation areas, they ensure that all veterans, regardless of their abilities, can experience the benefits of this therapeutic approach.
Horticulture therapy has emerged as a powerful and effective tool in assisting veterans with PTSD on their journey to recovery. By harnessing the therapeutic power of gardening and nature, this innovative approach offers a safe space for veterans to process trauma, reduce stress, and rediscover a sense of purpose and belonging. As horticulture therapy continues to gain recognition, it is essential to advocate for its integration into mainstream mental health care, ensuring that all veterans have access to this transformative and life-affirming treatment. Even the most beautiful gardens begin with the planting of a single seed.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you.If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here
]]>In short, art is powerful.
But the true power of art is not limited only to the people viewing it. Art can be just as powerful, if not moreso, for the artist themselves.
Art therapy is a form of recreational therapy first officially recognized in 1942. Through art therapy, traditional therapy methods are combined with artistic expression to help people overcome obstacles and distress in their day-to-day lives. The end goal is a sense of self-understanding and fulfillment, which art therapy is able to achieve thanks to a scientific approach and methodology.
Art therapy is more than just throwing someone in a room with a blank canvass and an easel so they can paint what makes them feel happy. Instead, art therapy begins much like a regular therapy session.
A prospective client sits down and talks to their art therapist about the goals they’d like to accomplish through the session. The art therapist listens to these goals, helps the client find the right medium for self-expression, and guides them along the way by asking helpful, thought-provoking questions.
After the piece is complete, the art therapist and the client will discuss how working on the piece made the client feel and together the pair will analyze the work itself through a lens of understanding and personal growth. By the end, the client has not only experienced an enjoyable session, but a session that leaves them with answers, fulfillment, and even a physical reminder of their journey of self-discovery that they can take home with them.
Like many forms of therapy, you get out of it what you put into it. If you approach art therapy thinking it’s unlikely to ever work for you, you’re not likely to see any kind of positive results.
However if you go into the experience with an open-mind, you’ll likely see great results that lessen your anxiety and depression regardless of what the root cause of those symptoms happens to be. This means that art therapy can be effective in treating a wide variety of different disorders, which can include everything from eating disorders to Alzheimers and even PTSD as a result of seeing combat.
It may be hard to imagine art therapy being helpful to someone whose trauma manifested in a combat scenario, but some of the earliest uses of art therapy were to treat WW2 combatants suffering from shell-shock. Studies have shown that art therapy is especially helpful for veterans in three key ways:
1) By helping them express thoughts they’re having trouble articulating
2) By improving social relationships and reducing social detachment
3) By providing a general reduction in PTSD-related flashbacks, as well as lessening anxiety, providing methods to better control intrusive thoughts, reducing emotional numbness, and decreasing the chance of using unhealthy avoidance mechanisms.
Each of these things alone could make a huge difference in someone’s life, so taking the chance on art therapy to achieve all three is something every vet should seriously consider. Art therapy has been around for over 80 years and has a proven track record of helping many veterans and civilians alike to overcome their own personal hardships in order to lead better, more fulfilling lives.
And with results like that…what’s the harm in trying something new?
Interested in art therapy? Check out https://arttherapy.org/art-therapist-locator/ to find an art therapist near you or https://creativets.org/ for a community of like-minded individuals.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you.If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here
]]>Memorial Day was established shortly after the Civil War and served as a way to commemorate every American soldier who lost their lives in the conflict. Today, it has evolved into a national holiday to pay tribute to all fallen military personnel. On Memorial Day, communities across the country participate in parades, hold memorial ceremonies, and visit cemeteries to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
While the emphasis of Memorial Day is on those who lost their lives, it is also essential to recognize and support the veterans who have survived but continue to face their own battles. PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, around 29% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, two of the most recent conflicts in American History, will be diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lives.
PTSD symptoms can manifest in various ways, including intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-vigilance, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic event. These symptoms often have a profound impact on the daily lives of each veteran struggling with them, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Many organizations, including the U.S. government, have implemented initiatives to address the growing number of veterans with PTSD. The VA offers many comprehensive programs, including counseling services, support groups, and evidence-based therapies, all of which can help veterans manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our Resources page contains helpful links to many of these organizations, which you can navigate directly to by clicking here.
While progress has been made in understanding and addressing PTSD, there is still much work to be done. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and destigmatization efforts can help foster a supportive environment for veterans with PTSD.
That’s why it’s so important that even though the holiday is called Memorial Day, we’re doing more than remembering the fallen. Memorial Day is a chance to recognize the challenges faced by all our veterans, including those who still live and struggle with PTSD. Going forward, let’s use Memorial Day as a reminder of our responsibility as a nation to honor and support all who have selflessly fought on our behalf.
This Memorial Day, let’s remember the veterans we lost…and fight for the veterans still with us today.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Both hotlines are free and confidential.
If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here
In 2020, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs for short) were responsible for over 64,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. While not all of these were military veterans, you can find an especially strong link between military service and traumatic brain injuries by looking at a bit of additional data for context.
For example, did you know that the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries is firearm assisted suicide? Or that around 72% of veteran suicides are from firearms, 22% higher than the national average? Considering that U.S. veterans are a little over twice as likely to own a gun than the average citizen, it becomes all too easy to connect the dots and see that veterans are especially at risk of TBI’s even long after they’ve returned home.
Aside from the suicide risk, the vast majority of veterans receive their TBI’s in combat. Soldiers in the field can be surrounded day and night by explosions, bullets, and even falling debris, any of which can cause a TBI. In fact, such injuries are actually the leading cause of both death and disabilities in warzones. U.S. House of Representatives member, Bill Pascrell, even went so far as to call TBI “the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan”, further driving home the fact that traumatic brain injuries are more common among veterans than most people realize.
It’s easy to think that somebody returning home from service appears to be physically healthy and without scars from their time away. But the brain is by far the most important and delicate organ in our entire body, which is why internal brain injuries like TBIs can be so devastating to someone who may otherwise appear perfectly fine on the outside.
In order to understand how to diagnose a TBI, it’s important to know a little more about how they cause their damage.
The first thing to know is that not all of the injury takes place at once. A “primary brain injury” occurs at the actual time of the injury, while a “secondary brain injury” may slowly manifest and cause additional damage over time. In essence, just because a brain injury might not be immediately devastating, it does not mean that it can’t eventually be devastating if left untreated.
This is why seeking a medical professional as soon as possible after the primary brain injury is so important. While any official TBI diagnosis should come from a qualified doctor, there are a few things that can tip you off to a potential sustained TBI that could save you valuable days, weeks, or months worth of additional secondary brain damage.
The first and most obvious question to answer is a simple one: Did you sustain any kind of head-related injury? Even something as simple as bumping your head on the ceiling of an attic can lead to a TBI, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you’re suffering from non-typical headaches or especially any periods of unconsciousness right in the aftermath of the injury.
You should also be on the lookout for “vomiting, nausea, lack of motor coordination, dizziness, difficulty balancing, lightheadedness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, and changes in sleep patterns,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. An especially obvious sign can be pupils of two different dilation levels.
Unfortunately, not all the symptoms of a TBI are so easy to spot. Sometimes a TBI can take much longer to manifest thanks to additional secondary brain damage, which can lead to gradual changes in personality or even decision-making capabilities over a long period time. Thankfully, these more subtle symptoms often come in tandem with at least a few of the more obvious physical symptoms, so if you or someone you know has been suffering from symptoms of both types then it’s time to see a doctor.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Both hotlines are free and confidential.
If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
]]>Recreational Therapy can sometimes take a back-seat to the more traditional therapy methods that most people are familiar with, but it can be just as helpful (if not moreso!) as its more traditional brethren.
The term “Recreational Therapy” first debuted in the 1950’s, but the idea has actually been around far longer than that. After the Civil War, the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was established, taking thousands of soldiers into their care. The benefits of recreational therapy were known even then, according to the annual report the organization published in 1875.
“Amusements tend to drive away dull care, and keep the men in a pleasant and cheerful state of mind. All these tend to make discipline easier and to render the men contented and comparatively happy, and to improve their morals…”
-National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1875 Annual Report
Recreational therapy, as its name suggests, is the utilization of recreational activities that the patient enjoys as a means of therapy. It also takes an approach to therapy that is a little more “human”, understanding that the cognitive, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing are just as important as the physical aspects. Sometimes therapy of any kind can be stigmatized or even thought of as a necessary evil by the very people it is meant to assist. Recreational therapy seeks to tear down these obstacles to make therapy as accessible and enjoyable as it is effective, the idea being that if a patient actually enjoys their therapy, they are far more likely to continue it.
According to the VA’s website, “Current research indicates a significant number of positive health outcomes resulting from participation in recreation therapy and creative arts therapy programs.” They use this research as the foundation of their evidence-based approach to recreational therapy, understanding just how important it is for their treatments to have a scientific basis.
This means that even if you’re on the fence about enrolling in recreational therapy, you can rest easy knowing that there is plenty of evidence supporting its viability as a form of therapy. It is still best used in conjunction with other forms of therapy when needed, but even on its own can be a powerful tool in the road to recovery.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Both hotlines are free and confidential.
If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here