Why not me? Veteran Suicide, Resilience, and the Fight to Save Lives. Jerry Shaffer and Red Star Foundation

🔥 When tragedy strikes, some people crumble. Others rise. Marine veteran Jerry Shaffer identified a need and stepped into the gap with purpose by co-founding the Red Star Foundation—a nonprofit supporting the families of veterans and first responders who have died by suicide. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever served, loved someone who has, or simply wants to be part of the solution. Why not me? Veteran Suicide, Resilience, and the Fight toSave LivesIn this powerful episode of Tell This Story, host Doug White sits down with Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of the Red Star Foundation, Jerry Shaffer, for a moving conversation about the devastating impact of veteran and first responder suicide—and what we can do about it.Together, we explore:This episode is filled with personal stories, calls toaction, and a reminder that resilience is possible, even in the darkest hours. If you’re a veteran, first responder, family member, advocate, or ally—this one is for you.🎯 Key Takeaways:00:00 – Introduction and Jerry Shaffer’s background05:29 – Transition from military to education08:05 – Entrepreneurship and building Leatherneck.com10:58 – Founding the Red Star Foundation13:35 – Veteran suicide: The stats we can’t ignore16:16 – Starting a nonprofit: The real talk19:04 – Red Star’s core values & mission22:07 – Key programs that support families30:41 – The Red Star Banner: A new symbol of remembrance34:38 – Taking the pledge: Choose life36:30 – Red Star Voices and the power of storytelling39:58 – A life-changing youth presentation46:02 – Future goals for Red Star47:53 – How to support the mission52:02 – Final message: You are not alone55:31 – Closing and community call-to-action☕️ Sponsored by Polestar CoffeeFuel your mission with Polestar Coffee. Visit: https://www.polestarcoffee.comUse code “thisstory” at checkout for 10% off your order. Veteran-owned.Mission-driven.📚 Get the Book:Buy Hiding in Plain Sight by Doug White on Amazon orwherever books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGLCTKSP 📲 Follow, Listen, and Subscribe:📺 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Tell_This_Story🎧 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0C4wNoBzyn8e8HwXqdEp7W🍏 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tell-this-story/id1705672345🎵 Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6378e00d-episodes📻 iHeartRadio:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tell-this-story-237345244/🧭 Resources:🔴 Red Star Foundation: https://www.redstarfoundation.org☎️ Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1🔵 Blue Line Rescue, Gold Line Rescue, Redline Rescue: https://bluelinerescue.org🌄 Boulder Crest Foundation: https://bouldercrest.org📞 Copline: https://www.copline.org⚔️ Shields & Stripes: https://www.shieldsandstripes.org🎯 The Overwatch Collective: https://www.theoverwatchcollective.com🧠 UCF RESTORES: https://ucfrestores.com #RedStarFoundation #VeteranSuicide #MentalHealthMatters #PTSDRecovery #VeteranSupport#NonprofitLeadership #SuicidePrevention #FirstResponderSupport #TraumaRecovery #TellThisStory#JerryShaffer #DougWhite #Resilience #MissionDriven #MilitaryMentalHealth #CombatPTSD #CommunitySupport #PostTraumaticGrowth #PolestarCoffee #VeteranNonprofits#HidingInPlainSight