Last year, my son Logan lost his best friend and Marine brother, Conner Mills, to suicide. Conner was an exceptional individual, blessed with a loving family and admired for his outstanding service as a Marine. He was a loyal friend to many and was deeply loved. Unfortunately, despite being seen, loved, and doing well, Conner struggled silently until he made the devastating decision to take his own life. This tragic event served as a wake-up call for me, as I had never before had to support Logan through such a difficult experience. It opened my eyes to the harsh reality that not only veterans but also active-duty service members require our support and assistance. These young individuals often leave home, knowing no one, and are reluctant to show vulnerability due to fear of punishment. It has become clear that we need to explore alternative solutions, untapped resources, and develop a plan to provide these individuals with the necessary support without fear of repercussions. This realization prompted me to collaborate with Erica Gifford Mills, Logan Reid, Zoe Reid, Donnie, and Mike to raise awareness about active-duty suicide. The statistics are alarming and heartbreaking. We have decided to host Conner’s First Annual Active Duty Suicide Awareness Event at The Five 4’s Distillery on July 26th, from 12:00 to 11:00. The event will feature live music throughout the day, special speakers, raffles, a 50/50 draw, and donation buckets. All proceeds will go to 22 For 22. Conner’s family will be joining us, and we invite everyone to participate. You can contribute by sharing this event with local, state, and federal elected officials, friends, community members, and contacts at local military bases. Let us demonstrate our appreciation for our military personnel, both active and veteran, and assure them that they are never alone. We will continue to fight for their well-being and ensure they receive the necessary support. If you would like to donate a raffle basket or assist in gathering donations, your support would be invaluable. We aspire to bring our community together to show Conner’s family and all affected families that we care and are committed to helping.