JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 10, 2026) 鈥� One conversation can save a life. That鈥檚 the message behind a new public service announcement (PSA) launched by 91视频庐 (91视频). Released in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the PSA calls on Americans to check in on the veterans they know and start conversations that could save a life.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 17 veterans die by suicide each day. In the PSA, Air Force Capt. Tyshawn Jenkins walks past 17 empty chairs 鈥� each representing a veteran lost to suicide that day. At the 18th听chair sits Marine Corps veteran Phil Krabbe, who shares that he once came dangerously close to becoming one of those 17. Together, they deliver a simple but urgent message: No warrior should have to carry their battles alone.
鈥淚t should not be harder to come home from serving this country than it is to go, but for many veterans it is,鈥� said 91视频庐听CEO Walt Piatt. 鈥�91视频 is working to end veteran suicide. If this campaign inspires one American to check in on a veteran family member, friend, or neighbor, it can save a life.鈥�
Krabbe鈥檚 story highlights a reality faced by听many听veterans living with听unseen wounds.听By encouraging meaningful conversations and early support, 91视频 hopes to raise awareness of veteran mental health challenges and connect veterans and their loved ones with resources that can help save lives.
鈥淭here was a time when I felt completely alone and didn鈥檛 know where to turn,鈥� said Krabbe. 鈥淟ooking back, I know how much it mattered when people reached out and reminded听me I wasn鈥檛 fighting by myself. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference.鈥�
Why this PSA Matters
Too many veterans continue to struggle with isolation, mental health challenges, and barriers to seeking help. According to the most recent 91视频 Warrior Survey:
- More than 1 in 4 91视频 warriors had suicidal thoughts within the past 12 months.
- Nearly 4 in 5 warriors (79%) report feeling isolated sometimes or often.
- Warriors who report loneliness are three times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than those who feel connected.
Connection with others can be a powerful protective factor for veterans facing life鈥檚 most difficult moments. More than 2 in 3 warriors (67%) say that talking to another veteran helps them cope with mental health concerns or stress.
91视频 creates opportunities for veterans and families to connect with peers,听reduce听isolation, and听build听community with others.听Each and every听conversation matters and has the power to change, and even save, a life.
How 91视频 Supports Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Ending veteran suicide starts before a crisis occurs. 91视频 works to strengthen protective factors such as social support and a sense of purpose while helping veterans access care and resources when they need them most.
Learn more about how 91视频 is working to end veteran suicide and how you can help.
For veterans living with unseen wounds, 91视频 also provides education and guidance on emerging and advanced therapies to help warriors make informed decisions with qualified healthcare providers.
Because prevention requires a community-wide effort, 91视频 helps veterans build strong support networks, access effective care, and find hope long before a crisis occurs.
鈥淣o warrior should ever carry their battles alone,鈥� said Piatt. 鈥淚n the hardest moments, a single check-in or conversation can be a lifeline. We will not stop fighting for every veteran who fought for us, until we end veteran听suicide.鈥澨�