Where will I live? What comes next for my career? How will I manage my finances? Am I prepared for retirement?

Those are important questions. But they’re only part of the transition.

Leaving military service often means adjusting to a new routine, building a new community, and redefining your sense of purpose. Financial stability can make that transition easier, but lasting well-being also depends on having trusted people, practical resources and the confidence to ask for support when you need it.

Thomas understood the financial side of that transition all too well.

After leaving the military, he reached out to Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) for help covering everyday expenses. Like many veterans, he was focused on making ends meet. What he found was more than financial assistance.

Working with a STEP social worker, Thomas created a Crisis Response Plan that helped him identify trusted sources of support and prepare for difficult moments before they became overwhelming. Thirty days later, he reported meaningful progress and renewed hope for the future. His story is one of many featured in Face the Fight’s 2025 Impact Report.

Thomas’s experience is a reminder that financial challenges and overall well-being are often connected. Addressing one can open the door to the other.

That idea is at the heart of Face the Fight, a national initiative founded by USAA, Reach Resilience and the Humana Foundation. Together with more than 300 coalition members, Face the Fight is uniting organizations across sectors to reduce veteran suicide by expanding access to proven solutions, breaking down barriers to seeking support, and strengthening the communities that surround veterans and their families.

Since 2023, those efforts have impacted more than 1.4 million lives, supported more than 1 million suicide risk screenings, helped more than 110,000 veterans receive suicide-specific care and facilitated more than 250,000 lethal means safety conversations. Those numbers represent veterans, families and communities who are better equipped to recognize challenges early and respond with support.

Financial readiness is about more than balancing a budget or preparing for retirement. It’s about creating the stability that allows veterans and their families to thrive in the next chapter of life and for generations of veterans and service members to come.

Whether you’re preparing to transition, already building your civilian career, or supporting someone who served, remember that asking for help is sometimes the strongest investment you can make in your future.

Learn more about the people, partnerships, and evidence-informed programs featured in the 2025 Face the Fight Impact Report at WeFaceTheFight.org.

Why? Because military culture is rooted in an unwritten promise: no matter the cost, no one is left behind.

This has never been solely about resources or strategy. It is about values. That promise is not only fulfilled during dramatic rescue missions. It’s reinforced every day in service through trust, accountability, and looking out for one another. Service members are trained to notice when something feels off. To check in. To step in early. To never let someone carry the weight alone.

That culture saves lives long before a crisis occurs.

But what happens when the struggle is not visible? When the enemy is isolation, loss of identity, or trauma carried silently long after the uniform comes off?

For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can mean losing the built-in structure, purpose, and community that once made connection automatic. Challenges like stress, loneliness, relationship strain, or mental health struggles can quietly take hold and be harder to see.

And too often, the consistency of that unwritten contract begins to break down.

This is the gap Face the Fight was created to close.

Founded by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight is a national initiative built on a simple belief: the same commitment to bringing someone home from combat must extend to every stage of life during and after service. “No one left behind” must include mental health.

Since its launch, Face the Fight has supported programs that have reached more than one million veterans, service members, families, caregivers, and community members through prevention training, early intervention efforts, peer support, and expanded access to care.

The first line of defense is human connection. It is the friend or colleague who notices a change. The battle buddy who checks in without waiting for a crisis. The caregiver who has quietly rearranged their life to ensure that veteran they love is never alone.

Alongside our veterans, these devoted caregivers deserve the same culture of care in return. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has spent more than a decade making sure America’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers are never invisible.

May serves as a powerful reminder of this responsibility. Military Appreciation Month reminds us who we are honoring. Military Caregiver Month reminds us who is standing beside them. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us how to show up.

Extending the promise of “no one left behind” means recognizing that support does not end when service ends. It continues in homes, communities, and everyday interactions.

The invitation this month is simple.

Pay attention. Reach out. Stay connected.

Take a moment to check in on someone, and explore training that can help you recognize early signs and respond before a situation becomes a crisis.

What Is Buddy Check Week?

Taking place October 20–24, 2025, Buddy Check Week is led by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and encourages veterans to reach out to at least 10 fellow veterans, family members, caregivers, or battle buddies to simply check in.

These conversations don’t have to be heavy or formal. They can start with a text, a call, or a coffee. The goal is connection, reminding veterans that they’re not alone and making sure they know where to turn if they need help.

Starbucks Coffee Company Is Committed to the Fight

Building on last year’s partnership, Starbucks Coffee Company is once again partnering with Face the Fight®, a national initiative dedicated to reducing veteran suicide, to help amplify Buddy Check Week. This year, the company is providing 15,000 $10 gift cards to encourage veterans and their friends to gather, talk, and strengthen peer-to-peer connections.

In addition, Face the Fight hosted a Buddy Check Coffee Lounge at the Military Influencer Conference to spark early momentum.

“Human connection is powerful,” said Aldrinana Leung, Senior Manager of Global Social Impact at The Starbucks Foundation. “Buddy Check Week reminds us of the impact of peer-to-peer support, but it’s just the beginning. Reaching out should be part of everyday life. When someone comes to mind, check in. You never know the difference that one simple conversation might make.”

Why It Matters

Research shows that peer support is one of the most effective tools for improving mental health and preventing suicide. By encouraging veterans to #TalkToTen, Buddy Check Week helps strengthen networks of support, increase awareness of resources, and ensure no one falls through the cracks.

Face the Fight, founded in 2023 by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, has already united more than 250 coalition partners to reduce veteran suicide through awareness campaigns, funding for evidence-based interventions, and free training opportunities. Since launch, Face the Fight has impacted more than 355,000 lives, trained over 30,000 people, and is projected to save 6,500 lives by 2032.

How You Can Take Part

Anyone can participate in Buddy Check Week. Here’s how:

• Take the pledge on the VA’s Buddy Check website to reach out to at least 10 veterans.
• Take the training through our coalition partner PsychArmor to learn how to recognize warning signs and connect someone to help.
• Take the time to start a conversation, whether it’s fellow veterans, family members, or caregivers.

Join the Movement

Preventing veteran suicide doesn’t always require special expertise. Sometimes, it starts with one question: How are you doing?

This October, mark your calendar for Buddy Check Week. Make the pledge, check in, and be part of a movement that saves lives one conversation at a time.

Launched in 2023 by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight is a life-saving initiative uniting more than 250 coalition partners to reduce veteran suicide through public awareness, strategic investment, and suicide prevention education. Since its inception, Face the Fight has reached over 355,000 lives, trained more than 30,000 individuals in evidence-informed interventions, and is projected to save more than 6,500 lives by 2032.

Face the Fight Returns to the Grand Ole Opry

On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, Face the Fight will return to the Grand Ole Opry for its second annual Face the Fight Night. Made possible by the support of Humana, this powerful evening of music and storytelling brings together artists, veterans, and advocates to raise awareness, build connection, and amplify a message of hope.

This year’s lineup includes Coffey Anderson, Mickey Guyton, The Isaacs, Craig Morgan, and Tucker Wetmore, who will take the stage to share songs and stories in support of veterans and their families. The evening blends heartfelt storytelling with music that inspires action, reminding us that healing can begin with a single conversation.

Training Saves Lives

One of the most important things anyone can do this month is learn how to recognize signs of suicide risk and take informed action. Through Face the Fight’s partnership with the STRONG STAR Training Initiative at UT Health San Antonio, free virtual sessions are available for individuals who want to support veterans more effectively.

The sessions are designed for both community members and professionals, offering insights into suicide prevention, lethal means safety, and mental health support tailored to military experiences. These trainings give people the confidence and tools to intervene before a crisis occurs and to help veterans feel seen and supported.

You can explore available training opportunities at strongstartraining.org/face-the-fight

How You Can Make a Difference

Preventing suicide does not require special qualifications. Sometimes, the most powerful action is simply reaching out. This September, Face the Fight encourages everyone to start by checking in on the veterans in their lives. A text or a phone call can be a meaningful step toward connection.

Social media is another tool for spreading awareness. Individuals and organizations can share messages of hope and support, using hashtags like #FaceTheFight and #SuicidePreventionMonth to raise visibility and signal to others that they are not alone.

Every effort matters. Whether you attend Face the Fight Night at the Opry, take a training, or simply share a message of support, your actions can help build a culture where seeking help is viewed as a strength and where no veteran is left behind.

Face the Fight exists to help communities stand beside our nation’s veterans with purpose, compassion, and action. This September, take one step. Start a conversation. Share a resource. Join a movement that saves lives.

Read the latest progress and impact at https://wefacethefight.org/newsroom

Learn more or get involved at wefacethefight.org

The mission is urgent. Veterans are nearly 60% more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans. Yet many face these challenges alone, often without a formal diagnosis or connection to support. Face the Fight exists to change that—by funding proven solutions, raising awareness, and empowering communities to act before a crisis. Veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors are not facing this fight alone.

Funding What Works

To date, Face the Fight has awarded more than $25 million in grants to nonprofits working in veteran health, resilience, and crisis prevention. Over 355,000 lives have been reached, and modeling developed with experts at UT Health San Antonio projects over 6,500 veteran deaths could be prevented by 2032 through this work.

Grantees include Centerstone Military Services, which is expanding suicide-specific clinical training for therapists. Others, like the Overwatch Project, equip veterans with tools for peer intervention—especially in moments involving firearm risk. One participant said training helped him prevent multiple potential crises in his unit.

Rather than provide direct services itself, Face the Fight invests in trusted organizations already embedded in veteran communities.

Changing the Conversation

Face the Fight is also working to shift how the public talks about veteran mental health. A public service campaign aired more than 57,000 times on major networks like Fox and NBCUniversal, reinforcing that no one has to face this fight alone.

Public figures have helped expand the message. Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Tucker Wetmore, and Coffey Anderson performed at Face the Fight Night at the Grand Ole Opry, an event honoring veteran stories. Chef Robert Irvine and the Robert Irvine Foundation, a proud Face the Fight grantee, supported the campaign through video PSAs and outreach efforts.

During the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Buddy Check Week, Face the Fight partnered with Starbucks on a nationwide outreach campaign. The campaign resulted in more than 20,000 veterans, spouses, and caregivers registering.

Strengthening Community, Building Capacity

In March 2025, Face the Fight brought together more than 200 nonprofit, corporate, and philanthropic leaders at USAA headquarters in San Antonio for its first in-person coalition meeting. The event focused on partnership and sharing what works.

The initiative’s Training and Resource Center, developed with UT Health San Antonio, has trained more than 30,000 individuals in interventions like Lethal Means Safety and Crisis Response Planning. Grantees like Vets4Warriors offer 24/7 peer support, backed by tools that connect veterans to care.

In one case, a pregnant Army veteran in crisis was connected to trained peer specialists. She remains in recovery today, supported by the network built through this work.

A Call to Action

For Cassandra Morgan, a Marine veteran and program lead at America’s Warrior Partnership, the mission is personal. “I am grateful for Face the Fight and continue to be amazed by the support from outside communities,” she said. “I feel deeply honored to give back in such a meaningful way.”

As the coalition grows, so does the belief that supporting veterans means more than saying thanks—it means showing up. Whether through funding, training, or simply checking in on a fellow veteran, the message is clear: everyone has a role to play.

Face the Fight represents a new approach to veteran support — one built on connection through triumph. The coalition unites more than 200 organizations across the private and nonprofit sectors to strengthen the support networks that empower veterans to thrive long after their service ends.

While the vast majority of America’s veterans are thriving and contributing to their communities, too many still struggle. Face the Fight’s collaborative approach focuses on dismantling stigma, building connections, and ensuring that veterans and those who stand beside them receive the support they need — from transition into civilian life and well beyond.

What sets Humana’s involvement apart is its commitment to innovation through collaboration. By working side by side with other coalition members, Humana is helping demonstrate that the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

“Our approach is rooted in the belief that veterans deserve not just services, but true community,” says Stephanie Muckey, a Marine Corps spouse, caregiver, and leader of Humana’s Veteran Health Equity & Social Impact strategy. “When organizations collaborate rather than working in silos, we can create the kind of comprehensive support network that reflects the best of American values.”

Examples of this collaborative innovation include:

• DUOS for Veterans: This Humana initiative provides personalized care navigation to veterans, beginning with those who have chronic conditions in Louisiana. Through this program, DUOS connects veterans to the benefits and resources available through their Medicare Advantage plans and/or veterans’ benefits while addressing health-related social needs – like transportation and food access – and reducing isolation. DUOS exemplifies Face the Fight’s commitment to holistic, community-based support.
• Veteran Ready Healthcare Organization Certification: Launched in 23 Texas-based Conviva and CenterWell clinics, this initiative combines the efforts of Face the Fight coalition members/grantees PsychArmor and Stop Soldier Suicide. PsychArmor’s Veteran Ready program equips clinical and non-clinical staff with knowledge and tools to better serve veterans by building military cultural competency across healthcare settings. By fostering cultural understanding and building supportive care environments, this initiative advances upstream suicide prevention, reaching veterans before they are in crisis.

The power of this collective approach was on full display during Face the Fight Night at the Grand Ole Opry, held during Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month last September. Sponsored by Humana, the event brought together 53 coalition organizations and over 4,500 attendees in a celebration of hope, healing, and community on country music’s biggest stage.

“What made the event so powerful wasn’t just who was on stage, but also the connections being made throughout the venue,” notes Babs Chase, Executive Director, Face the Fight Coalition. “Veterans connecting with resources, organizations connecting with each other, and everyone united by a shared commitment to strengthening our veteran community.”

Prior to the Opry event, Humana took part in a community healthcare roundtable hosted by Operation Stand Down Tennessee, a coalition member based in Nashville. Coalition members, healthcare leaders, and leaders from the state government gathered to align on strategic priorities and share firsthand experiences — highlighting how national initiatives like Face the Fight can empower local impact.

Through evidence-backed interventions and more than $25 million provided in philanthropic funding, Face the Fight is already delivering meaningful results in the lives of thousands of veterans.

But perhaps the most important shift is cultural: moving from a focus solely on crisis response toward building everyday connections and long-term support systems — the foundation of true community resilience. As the coalition continues to grow, Face the Fight welcomes new partners who share in this belief — that connection saves lives, and that coming together to support those who’ve served is one of our most enduring American values.

Together, we can ensure every veteran, military family, caregiver and survivor has the community support they need to live a fulfilling life.