About #22KILLMission Statement:22KILL is a global movement bridging the gap between veterans and civilians to build a community of support.
22KILL works to raise awareness to the suicide epidemic that is plaguing our country, and educate the public on mental health issues such as PTS.
History of #22KILL:Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. started the #22KILL movement in 2013 after learning about the staggering statistic that an average of 22 veterans are killed by suicide every day. HCC committed to researching and understanding the genesis of this epidemic, and educating the general public on the issue. #22KILL was a platform to raise awareness not just towards veteran suicide, but also to the mental health issues that can lead to suicide. These issues stem primarily from conditions such as PTS and TBI, and struggles of transitioning out of the military.
The solution is veteran empowerment. One of the biggest challenges veterans face is finding a sense of purpose after service. #22KILL directly supports HCC’s veteran empowerment programs that help veterans maximize their talents and understand their value outside of the military. #22KILL also continually
provides support for other nonprofit organizations, community events and project.
In July 0f 2015, 22KILL officially became its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Although legally separated from HCC, both organizations continue to work closely together to continue the mission of awareness and empowerment.
Why is it called #22KILL?In 2012, the VA released a Suicide Data Report that and average of 22 veterans are “KILLED By Suicide” (KBS) everyday. The name “22KILL” is meant to grab people’s attention, because our primary mission begins with raising awareness to the issue. Suicide prevention is a very difficult task to undertake, especially when the general public is unaware of the issue in the first place. In order to prevent or “fix” a problem, one must first learn and understand the problem itself and its causes. By educating ourselves, we’ll be able to identify the triggers that can lead someone to thoughts of suicide, and confront those issues as they come, rather than letting them accumulate into something much worse.
Who are Veteran Advocates?Veteran Advocates – aka “Battle Buddies” – wear the #22KILL Honor Ring™ – a black band worn on the right index finger, symbolizing the “trigger finger”. By choosing to become part of Team #22KILL and wearing this ring, you are committed to:
Do I have to be a veteran to wear an Honor Ring™?No you do not. Any person who supports those who serve(d) (active warriors, veterans, friends and family members) can show their appreciation by wearing an Honor Ring™ on the right index finger.
Why is the ring worn on the index finger?That is exactly why. Because it raises questions, which in turn raises awareness. It stands out as something that is easily identifiable, as opposed to just another ring on the ring finger. You can see a black ring on the index finger and know right away what it represents.
Aside from that, there is also a deeper, less talked about meaning behind the ring, and why we reference the “trigger finger”. In the U.S., gun shots are the most common method of suicide. #22KILL wants to “black out” the trigger finger, as a reminder and a way of saying that this needs to stop. If, God forbid, a person with the ring ever reaches that point of considering suicide, then maybe feeling that ring on their finger will remind them that they are never alone, and that help is always available.
How can I help?Become a Veterans’ Advocate and show your support with an Honor Ring. 100% of #22KILL donations go directly towards veteran empowerment programs through partner nonprofit organizations such as Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. The purpose is to ensure that veterans are provided with the tools and knowledge to create an actionable plan upon leaving the service. This way, veterans are less likely to fall into what we call a “downward spiral” – which can include loss of identity and self-worth, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse.
22KILL works to raise awareness to the suicide epidemic that is plaguing our country, and educate the public on mental health issues such as PTS.
History of #22KILL:Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. started the #22KILL movement in 2013 after learning about the staggering statistic that an average of 22 veterans are killed by suicide every day. HCC committed to researching and understanding the genesis of this epidemic, and educating the general public on the issue. #22KILL was a platform to raise awareness not just towards veteran suicide, but also to the mental health issues that can lead to suicide. These issues stem primarily from conditions such as PTS and TBI, and struggles of transitioning out of the military.
The solution is veteran empowerment. One of the biggest challenges veterans face is finding a sense of purpose after service. #22KILL directly supports HCC’s veteran empowerment programs that help veterans maximize their talents and understand their value outside of the military. #22KILL also continually
provides support for other nonprofit organizations, community events and project.
In July 0f 2015, 22KILL officially became its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Although legally separated from HCC, both organizations continue to work closely together to continue the mission of awareness and empowerment.
Why is it called #22KILL?In 2012, the VA released a Suicide Data Report that and average of 22 veterans are “KILLED By Suicide” (KBS) everyday. The name “22KILL” is meant to grab people’s attention, because our primary mission begins with raising awareness to the issue. Suicide prevention is a very difficult task to undertake, especially when the general public is unaware of the issue in the first place. In order to prevent or “fix” a problem, one must first learn and understand the problem itself and its causes. By educating ourselves, we’ll be able to identify the triggers that can lead someone to thoughts of suicide, and confront those issues as they come, rather than letting them accumulate into something much worse.
Who are Veteran Advocates?Veteran Advocates – aka “Battle Buddies” – wear the #22KILL Honor Ring™ – a black band worn on the right index finger, symbolizing the “trigger finger”. By choosing to become part of Team #22KILL and wearing this ring, you are committed to:
- Research and learn about your local veteran service organizations and what their missions and needs are
- Focus on veteran strengths and challenge negative attitudes around veteran “issues”
- Advocate for veterans in a positive light in any platform you have
- Raise awareness to the issues of veteran suicide, and follow up with a positive solution through education and empowerment through programs offered from local nonprofits and veteran service organizations
- Believing that veterans are America’s greatest asset and learning to love them and showing them that you care
Do I have to be a veteran to wear an Honor Ring™?No you do not. Any person who supports those who serve(d) (active warriors, veterans, friends and family members) can show their appreciation by wearing an Honor Ring™ on the right index finger.
Why is the ring worn on the index finger?That is exactly why. Because it raises questions, which in turn raises awareness. It stands out as something that is easily identifiable, as opposed to just another ring on the ring finger. You can see a black ring on the index finger and know right away what it represents.
Aside from that, there is also a deeper, less talked about meaning behind the ring, and why we reference the “trigger finger”. In the U.S., gun shots are the most common method of suicide. #22KILL wants to “black out” the trigger finger, as a reminder and a way of saying that this needs to stop. If, God forbid, a person with the ring ever reaches that point of considering suicide, then maybe feeling that ring on their finger will remind them that they are never alone, and that help is always available.
How can I help?Become a Veterans’ Advocate and show your support with an Honor Ring. 100% of #22KILL donations go directly towards veteran empowerment programs through partner nonprofit organizations such as Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. The purpose is to ensure that veterans are provided with the tools and knowledge to create an actionable plan upon leaving the service. This way, veterans are less likely to fall into what we call a “downward spiral” – which can include loss of identity and self-worth, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse.