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 die by 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
Police Officer David Vaughn Suffered Major Injuries in Traffic Accident
Police Officer David Vaughn sustained severe injuries when he was involved in an on-duty traffic accident.
Air Force Analyst Sarah Garasz Dealt with Tremendous Grief
Sarah Garasz is an analyst in the United States Air Force and had a difficult time dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Navy Corpsman Ray Hoelscher Needed Help Saving Himself
Ray Hoelscher served in the United States Navy and upon returning to civilian life, he recognized pretty quickly he had PTSD.
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
General Miller’s Visit to Shields & Stripes August ’24 Program
Shields & Stripes was honored to host our inaugural Ambassador, Retired U.S. Army General Austin “Scott” Miller at our August program held at EXOS in Phoenix, AZ.
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 raffling this stunning 9/11 memorial flag, valued at $1,200 and donated by @kinetic_carving , to raise funds for the next @shieldsandstripes program.
🔗 Link in bio to enter! 🔗
Crafted from ash wood, this 9/11 memorial flag features crossed axes, a police badge, and a medical badge, symbolizing the firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders who sacrificed their lives after the attacks. The lower portion includes the seals of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force, honoring their response and the ongoing sacrifices of the past 20+ years.
All proceeds support our mission to provide free, life changing rehabilitation to veterans and first responders suffering from trauma.
Raffle details:
- Ticket sales end: 12th October 2024, 4 PM CST
- Random Winner Drawing: 12th October 2024, 7:30 PM CST, live on @stmichaelsbrewing page
Thank you @azraelanubis @kinetic_carving @stmichaelsbrewing
#neverforget #nineelevenmemorial #patriotism #veteransupport #firstrespondersfirst #shieldsandstripes
🔥 Do not miss your chance to win a $500 gift card from our friends at @bornprimitive 🔥
Register for the @shieldsandstripes “See It Through” challenge designed by @btwntheears by donating $20. This automatically enters you in our raffle for the gift card.
Not only will you get a chance to win a great prize but you’ll be contributing to potentially saving the life of a Veteran or First Responder and their family.
The window for the challenge closing is October 1st!
Visit www.shieldsandstripes.org or the 🔗 in our bio to sign up.
Photography by @trexler_media
For those navigating dark moments - remember, it’s just that, a moment and it will pass.
You’re stronger than your thoughts. You are not alone. You are needed. Reach out, because there is always someone ready to listen.
Check on your friends. Your family. If something reminds you of them, text them. We can make sure no one fights their battles alone.
Photo @trexler_media
#VeteranSupport #FirstResponderSupport #nationalsuicidepreventionmonth
🔥Register for the See It Through Challenge by @btwntheears 🔥
Your registration helps fund the @shieldsandstripes program and automatically enters you for a chance to win a $500 @bornprimitive gift card.
Complete anytime in the month of September! No score submission required to win. Random winner chosen in October.
Visit www.shieldsandstripes.org or the 🔗 in our bio
The @shieldsandstripes program includes both individual and group therapy. The veterans and first responders in each class have vastly different traumatic experiences, but they often share the same deep emotions: fear, anger, guilt, shame, grief, confusion, and more.
The group setting is familiar, like the camaraderie of a police force, military unit, or emergency response team. This shared connection helps them heal together, and many participants form deep friendships that become a vital support system.
As they graduate from the in-person phase and return to their home lives to continue their healing journey, a few have chosen to get a tattoo. It symbolizes their progress and the hope they carry forward. It represents their strength, resilience, and the shared bond that will continue to support them.
📸 @trexler_media
#shieldsandstripes #veteransandfirstresponders #ptsdawareness
