On average, 17.6 veterans commit suicide daily, according to the 2024  National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Veterans often return from service with issues that few understand. Many feel they have to suffer alone. While there have been some positive trends, such as suicide rates for Veterans age 18-34 decreased by 3.8%, the problem persists.

Mission 22 is a veteran-focused nonprofit with a mission to combat veteran suicide through awareness, treatment programs, and community support.  The campaign began in 2013 from advertising agency CP+B and the nonprofit veteran organization Elder Heart, designed to open the eyes of the American public to the issue of what was then an average of 22 veteran suicides a day, according to Time Magazine.

Mission 22 has laid out a 2200 push up challenge for July. I’ve signed up for this because this cause is close to my heart. My primary goal is to raise awareness. Doing a bunch of push ups may seem on the surface to not do much, but for me it will help focus my awareness to help the mission of Mission 22. Maybe it’ll help your awareness, too. At the very least I ask for your support, well wishes, and prayers for strength and consistency. This is about 70 pushups a day, which is about 70 more than I usually do.

Of course, this is also a fundraiser, and I would love your help. Whether you donate $5 or $500, every bit counts. I’ve set an ambitious goal because I know that with support from people like you, I can get there. You can access my fundraiser on Facebook, and any amount is greatly appreciated.

Our service men and women keep our nation secure. We all enjoy the freedoms of this great nation because of their sacrifice. I hope you will consider helping them, whether through this fundraiser or other ways. They deserve it.