Join the Shields & Stripes Mission.

WE BELIEVE OUR NATION’S HEROES DESERVE THE BEST.

They Raised Their Hand and Pledged to Protect You.

Now, They Need Your Help.

Our nation’s Military Veterans and First Responders have a 5 x higher risk of experiencing mental health problems due to constant exposure to death and destruction.

Sadly, the current mental health system in America was unprepared for this reality, and today, those brave men and women need help to survive life.

Our Military Veterans and First Responders Secretly Fight Their Own Battles.

Did You Know?

Between 17 and 44 veterans commit suicide daily?

The previous report of 17.2 a day reporting doesn’t account for accidents, undetermined, reported self-harm, or overdoses, resulting in undercounting errors.

In One Year, We Lost…

Firefighters

POLICE OFFICERS

VETERANS

Data reporting is conducted with the intent to raise awareness and has sourced several agencies to capture the most accurate data to reflect the problem we are trying help fix. If you feel the data does not reflect the current situation, please contact: contact@shieldsandstripes.org

Shields & Stripes Is Helping Our Heroes!

With a top-tier, 3-month intensive program led by the finest doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and trainers, Shields & Stripes is now providing the care our brave warriors, protectors, and servants deserve.

ZERO

Cost to attendees!

Trauma Focused Psychological Therapy

Physical
Therapy

Occupational
Therapy

Nutrition
Education

Meditation
and Yoga

You can help Shields & Stripes continue their mission of saving our brave men and women and getting them on the road to a healthy, peaceful life.

Could You Handle This Over, and Over, and Over?…

What one police officer with military service experiences in their career…

  • NViolent or tragic death of children
  • NTraumatic suicides and homicides
  • NExplosions and gunfire
  • NAmbushes and unplanned attacks
  • NViolent physical assaults
  • NDeaths of co-workers
  • NHigh-speed traffic collisions
  • NEntry into burning buildings and vehicles
  • NChild abuse, neglect, poverty
  • NJob-related injuries
  • NPolitical and administrative assaults
  • NDestruction of family

How Your Donations Make a Difference

Your contribution enables attendees, referred to as athletes, to benefit from comprehensive care, starting with 3 weeks of personalized in-person support, followed by 9 weeks of telehealth.

81.5%

Program Services

15.9%

Fundraising

2.5%

System Management

Team Member Spotlight

Dr. Heidi Anderson

Meet Dr. Heidi Anderson, the lead mental health consultant for Shields & Stripes.

Besides her work with Shields & Stripes, she is the founder of The Healing Impact, which helps people with trauma, and she has spoken nationally about healing from trauma.

The Latest From Shields & Stripes

UPCOMING EVENTS

2024 Clay Shoot

Join us for a day of marksmanship and camaraderie at the 2024 Clay Shoot event hosted by Shields & Stripes.

2024 Charity Gala

Make a difference while enjoying an elegant night out at our Charity Gala. Indulge in music, fine dining, and exciting auctions—all in support of a great cause. Secure your tickets now!

SPONSORS

We’re grateful for our amazing sponsors who care about our first responders and veterans as much as we do!

Follow @ShieldsandStripes on Instagram

We are on Instagram
Q&A with @shieldsandstripes Mental Health Clinician, Amy Ellis.

• What do you like most working with the Athletes of Shields & Stripes?

It’s an honor and privilege to work with the Athletes of Shields & Stripes. Being a spouse and daughter of veterans and throughout my 26 year career in the mental health field, I have seen the barriers to treatment for these individuals. @shieldsandstripes removes these barriers. I love being part of an amazing team of people dedicated to improving the lives of those who sacrifice so much.

• What is a common challenge that Veterans and first responders face when addressing mental health?

Many feel that acknowledging their struggles results in feelings of vulnerability. They are trained in their careers that vulnerability is unsafe and unacceptable so breaking through that mindset can be challenging. 

• How do you tailor your approach?

I meet individuals where they are and provide a safe and confidential space. This individualized approach centers on the whole person and follows a pace that is set by the them. While individuals may have similar walks in life, each experience is unique; therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental health treatment.

• What is something practical that our followers can do today to improve their mental health?

Resist the urge to keep your struggles to yourself. Talk to a trusted friend, colleague, significant other or therapist. Physical activity, even in small increments, such as a 10 minute walk, can boost energy levels and decrease stress. Prioritize healthy sleep patterns – poor sleep contributes to stress, depression, and a host of related symptoms.

Photo @trexler_media 

#shieldsandstripes #supportveteransandfirstresponders
VP and Co-Founder, Jenn Byrne - “The kick off of @shieldsandstripes March program was a success! 

Thank you to ALL the team members behind the scenes to make this happen.

Thank you to our donors, our friends, the ones who believed in us when others laughed in our faces.

Thank you to the 8 humans who are trusting us to change their lives. It’s hard work, but there is no greater return than to LEARN HOW TO LIVE AGAIN.”

This is week one of three weeks of in-person care. @exossports 

Following this, our 8 Athletes receive 9 weeks of expert tele-health to implement thier progress into the home life. 

#thecofounders #shieldsandstripes #gulfbreezeexos #weekone
This weekend @shieldsandstripes very own Rory Berke and his son Abraham Berke, will walk a marathon to honor the memory of the Bataan Death March. 

The two are also raising funds for our program so we can restore the lives of more Veterans and first responders! 

Good luck, Rory and Abraham and thank you for your support! 

Donate and read more about this event at the link in our bio. 

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#bataandeathmarch2024 #bataandeathmarch #support #shieldsandstripes #chairman
Let’s go! The first @shieldsandstripes Program of 2024 is about to begin. Sunday March 10th, eight Veterans and first responders will gather from all across the country to embark on a life changing journey. 

Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The impact of your contribution, whether by spreading awareness of our mission, by donating or by volunteering, will positively impact not just eight heroes, but their loved ones and their communities. 

A special thank you the following sponsors 
@thejourneyhomeproject 
@bigfish_foundation 
@team_exos 
@thestepupfoundation 
@therabody 
The Lambert Family
@boeing 
@greenberetfoundation 
West Lake Foundation
Amplify Federal
@virginhotelslv 

#shieldsandstripes #mentalhealthsupport #veterans #firstresponders
A heartfelt thank you to Ryan N. Lambert and Holly Lambert, whose incredible generosity has fully funded an entire @shieldsandstripes program!

This means 8 Veterans and first responders will receive the comprehensive support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Ryan and Holly’s compassion and commitment to others and to our mission is truly inspiring.

Their contribution will directly provide a broad range of personalized services included in our 3-month program including airfare, accommodations, meals, nutritional counseling, occupational therapy, trauma focused psychological therapy, physical therapy, yoga, group and one-on-one therapy and more. 

Ryan and Holly, we are deeply grateful for your support and welcome your continued partnership as we grow and restore the lives of our nation’s heroes!

Read more at the link in our bio 🔗

#ShieldsAndStripes #Veterans #FirstResponders
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