One million human connections proves the power of peer support and signals a real decline in the stigma surrounding mental health.
-Major General (Ret.) Mark Graham, executive director of Vets4Warriors
Vets4Warriors, the nation’s leading 24/7 military peer support program staffed by veterans, received its 1 millionth connection, a historic milestone as the nation celebrates Veterans Day.
“This achievement reflects 14 years of providing around-the-clock confidential support to service members, veterans and their families,” said Major General (Ret.) Mark Graham, executive director of Vets4Warriors, which is based at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center.
“We are deeply humbled to have made 1 million connections within the military community through Vets4Warriors, linking them with peers who truly understand their journey,” Graham said. “One million human connections proves the power of peer support and signals a real decline in the stigma surrounding mental health. Vets4Warriors offers a trusted place of support, no matter the hour, with each connection serving as a lifeline and a reminder that no one should face their battle alone.”
Graham, a retired major general, added, “This milestone fuels our mission to prevent crises and empower every caller, ensuring the next million connections continue to save lives and offer hope.”
Members of the military community who contact Vets4Warriors often report challenges such as loneliness, isolation, financial pressures, and the transition from military camaraderie to civilian life. Vets4Warriors addresses these through immediate, empathetic peer support that connects callers to peers with shared experiences—to build camaraderie and understanding—while also linking them to essential resources.
Vets4Warriors honors the full spectrum of military service—embracing every active-duty service member, National Guard and Reserves member, veteran of every generation, as well as their family members and caregivers.
How Vets4Warriors Peer Support Works
Immediate response: Calls are answered in less than 30 seconds, ensuring timely support.
Always available: Veteran peers are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.
Confidential and safe: All conversations are 100% confidential, allowing for open dialogue without judgment.
Veterans helping veterans: Peer specialists, veterans themselves, are trained in peer support and leverage shared experiences to address challenges, staying engaged until issues are resolved.
Partners, including Face the Fight Coalition, United Services Automobile Association, Bob
Woodruff Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Disabled American
Veterans, the Tepper Foundation, Comcast/NBCUniversal and others, have amplified
Vets4Warriors’ impact through collaborative outreach to the military community.
About Vets4Warriors®
Vets4Warriors®, housed at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center, is a one-of-a-kind, 24/7 peer support network. Callers can be assured that everything they share with Vets4Warriors staff will always remain 100% confidential. The program complements other resources available to service members, Veterans, family members and caregivers, but remains separate from them. This allows Vets4Warriors to ensure that our callers have every confidence that we work with them to identify the best available resource, no matter what their needs may be.
Learn more at www.vets4warriors.com.
How to connect with Vets4Warriors®
If you want to connect with a peer to talk, chat, or email, call 1-855-838-8255 or visit www.Vets4Warriors.com. Peers are standing by 24/7, 365 days a year.
