Published Jun 28, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
Group Aims to Reduce Military Suicides 40% by 2030 as PTSD Plagues Veterans
A national nonprofit aims to reduce the military suicide rate by 40% no later than 2030.
Craig Ridenhour said military suicide is a "personal" issue for him. Ridenhour is chair of the Tampa, Fla.-based nonprofit organization Stop Soldier Suicide, which works to dedicate each day to stopping soldier suicide. Studies, some released by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies, have shown suicides being overwhelmingly linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His concerns are being heeded especially this month, as June marks PTSD Awareness Month. Specifically, June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day. "For me, this is personal. My brother served in the Marines, and his service is why this matters to me," Ridenhour told Military.com. "We rightly honor the service members who give their lives in combat. We talk less about the ones we lose after they come home."
Craig Ridenhour, chair of the organization 'Stop Soldier Suicide' of Tampa, Fla wants to dedicate each day to saving soldier lives (SSS).
