Dear Vets4Warriors Community,
As we close out another year, we are immensely proud of the progress we’ve made in serving our military community. With over 925,000 contacts, Vets4Warriors® remains committed to providing confidential 24/7 live peer-to-peer support, guidance, resource connections, and a constant presence for service members, veterans, and their families—anytime, anywhere. For over 115,000 consecutive hours, our team has been answering calls live, and we’re honored to be a trusted lifeline.
We began 13 years ago, and this past year alone we supported more than 9,800 individuals and welcomed over 8,400 first-time individuals seeking help. Since July 2023, we have averaged over 24 new individuals reaching out to Vets4Warriors® every day, and in September and October 2024 we averaged 25 and 26 new contacts daily – _numbers that reflect the growing reach and impact of our mission.
2024 was also marked by significant moments that have amplified our reach. In its second year, the Vets4Warriors® Ambassador Program has grown to include over 150 dedicated volunteers across the nation with access to our Ambassador Portal. These ambassadors serve as boots on the ground teammates, spreading awareness of our services in communities, military bases, and online. Their efforts help connect more people to peer support while providing valuable insights that improve our programs. As the network continues to expand, we look forward to reaching even more veterans, service members, and families in need.
In 2024, Vets4Warriors® reached even more people through notable media engagements. We shared insights on the importance of confidential peer support during an expansive conversation on the Military Matters podcast and a video interview with Your Next Mission podcast kicking off a series during Suicide Prevention Month. NJ Spotlight News showcased the differences our services make, while ROI-NJ published our op-eds on how to erase stigma of mental health and ways we can help veterans waging this battle. A VA News article highlighted how we assist service members navigating the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and separating from the military—a time when peer support is especially important. Our participation in VA’s Buddy Check initiative, also written about in VA News, emphasized the power of proactive outreach in building supportive connections within the military community.
Vets4Warriors® received a major grant to elevate and continue the work to prevent veteran suicide thanks to the incredible partnership with the Face The Fight coalition and the long term support from USAA. We are glad to report that this funding has already had an impact on many, many lives.
In 2024, we were honored to participate in meaningful events and receive recognition for our work. Being names as the “Soldier for Life” by the Army Week Association was humbling milestone. Joining fellow veteran advocacy leaders at the annual Wounded Warrior Project’s Partner Covening, providing remarks at the VA Patient Advocacy Conference and receiving the Leadership Award from the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans were significant highlights. Speaking at the Memorial Day observance at Green Hills Memorial Park in Los Angeles as well addressing attendees of Wreaths Across America’s annual event, and participating in the wreath laying ceremony the following day, were deeply moving experiences that reinforced our commitment to honoring the fallen and supporting their families.
Thanks to COMCAST/NBCUniversal our national and ongoing PSA campaign has allowed us to air a Public Service Announcement to connect with more service members, veterans, and families, ensuring they know help is always just a call away.
Our work would not be possible without the support of incredible partners like the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), CVSHealth, The Tepper Foundation, Lockheed Martin, The Gary Sinise Foundation, Summit Elks Lodge, wonderful individual donors, National Charity Services Vehicle Donations, and others. Their contributions strengthen our ability to provide peer support, expand our services, and connect with more people who need us.
.Offering off-hour, live telephone coverage for other veteran non-profits continues to grow and thanks to Boeing, we will be able to expand our “Services Team Network” to support more organizations.
We invite you to visit our newly improved website: Vets4Warriors.com to see the full list of organizations supporting and partnering with us to make the work we do possible for thousands each year.
Looking forward, we’re excited to continue the addition of per diem peers from other states. We currently have veterans working from Hawaii, Texas, California, and Washington. In early 2025, we’ll introduce a new integrated texting platform followed by a Vets4Warriors® mobile app to make it even easier for individuals to connect with us.
These enhancements will also help us gather feedback and measure the impact of our services.
These achievements wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, partners, ambassadors, individuals donors , and all those who have trust and confidence in the work our team does each day. Your continued trust and commitment inspire us every say and help ensure we’re here for those who need us.
As we say goodbye to 2024, we look forward to the opportunities ahead. Our mission remains the same: to listen, support, and connect, 24/7, no matter the circumstance or for how long to ensure no one is alone.
Wishing you a safe, joyous, and healthy New Year.
Warm regards,
Mark Graham,
MBA Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Executive Director
