Battle Within Inc

In the past 40+ years, since the end of the Vietnam War, we have lost more American heroes due to suicide than all foreign wars and conflicts in that time period combined. Despite the very best efforts of family, friends, the VA, and scores of highly dedicated veteran's based organizations, approximately 20 veterans each day are lost to us due to complications from wounds and injuries we cannot see. The Brothers of Harmonie Lodge No. 699 O.M. had their Damascus Road moment when this ongoing tragedy personally touched them. A Masonic Brother, Captain Peter Schank took his life in 2017 at the age of 30 while battling depression and post-traumatic stress. Nearing the end of his life, Peter most heavily relied on his Masonic Brothers, as he found himself, at times, without shelter, or his next meal. Those same Brothers have now come together to raise awareness of this national epidemic and begin efforts to de-stigmatize how psychological trauma is regarded in today's society.

$31K from 4 funders · 4 grants · 2022–2024