CHARLOTTE, N.C. \u2014 Navy veteran Mark Tangey said he is only alive today because he had friends who wouldn\u2019t stop texting him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I didn\u2019t have those messages and phone numbers to call, I wouldn\u2019t be here today,\u201d Tangey told the assembled crowd at the American Legion\u2019s annual convention in North Carolina<\/a> on Wednesday. \u201cI didn\u2019t have any other kind of outlet to get anything done. But the connection I had with those guys, that pulled me through.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tangey\u2019s remarks \u2014 delivered on stage<\/a> with the two fellow veterans he credits with saving his life \u2014 are part of the organization\u2019s ongoing \u201cBe The One\u201d initiative, which challenges Legion members and all Americans to connect with struggling veterans to help prevent suicide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The campaign started two years ago but has gained significant momentum over the last 12 months, thanks in large part to a high-profile sponsorship with Chip Ganassi Racing on the IndyCar circuit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t