New Jersey posts conduct two Be the One suicide prevention training classes in one day, empowering 200 people on how to help a veteran in crisis.
Army National Guard veteran John Brouse deployed to Iraq and Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. After returning home, he had difficulty reintegrating into civilian life.
Brouse experienced mental health issues, was on the brink of losing his job, dealt with an addiction to painkillers and hid things from his family.
“I reached out to my local American Legion post, and not only did they help me, but they embraced me,” he recalled, saying he tried to re-enlist but was told he was too old. “They took me in, they helped me every way possible. They helped me get my life back on track. I'm so grateful to them. They saved my life. When I got engaged with The American Legion, I was like a dying plant and they fed me.”
A member of Post 68 in Merchantville, Brouse is paying it forward any way he can. "Now I feel like the sky's the limit,” he said. “I really want to give back so bad it hurts. I know there's a lot of others out there struggling."
He conducts weekly Buddy Checks and amplifies The American Legion’s Be the One mission to prevent veteran suicide.
Brouse was among more than 200 New Jersey Legion Family members who participated in Be the One suicide prevention training sessions conducted March 15 at two posts in the state. Columbia University led the sessions, as part of the initiative to provide free education and guidance to Legion Family members so they know how to assist a veteran who might be in crisis.
The double training concept was conceived by Department Commander Charles “Andy” Jackson, a member of Post 493 in Mystic Island. Jackson, who had taken the virtual training previously, underscored the importance of in-person events.
“Virtually, it's just giving you an overview of the program,” he explained. “But being here in person we are able to talk to the directors, share information and answer questions from our veterans who might have an issue. Every time I've done it in person, I've had veterans come up with different criteria and we met their needs. Being in person goes a long way and it does a lot better for us.”
Jackson, a Navy veteran, left Beirut the morning of the barracks bombing.
“When I left Beirut that day, I felt like I left my comrades behind,” he said. “It's always bothered me. I'd never thought about suicide, but I've always wondered why I had to leave that day. I didn't know. But I've always wanted to help veterans afterwards and being able to help our veterans, especially when they're suffering. It helps me tremendously to help others.”
New Jersey Alternate NECman Gene O’Grady knows all too well what happens without such programs in place. He shared the story of a post member who died by suicide, a shock to all who knew him.
“It really took us all by surprise,” said O’Grady, a member of Post 232 in Barnegat. “When I went through the training, I got a lot of questions answered. And when I went home, I hoped that it would never happen to our family again.”
National Vice Commander Chuck Robbins, a member of Post 351 in Seaside Heights and an Army veteran, cited the training as an example of how The American Legion supports all veterans and their families.
“True patriotism, love of country, and care and concern for our fellow veterans is alive and well in the United States of America,” he said. “The American Legion supports veterans and their families and we continue serving America by changing lives and saving lives.”
Dr. Wendy Lakso of Columbia University led the training sessions, one at Neptune Post 346 and the other at Post 5 in Rahway.
“We know through data from surveys about the tools, the training, that people are much more comfortable using this with someone who may be suicidal or someone who needs help,” she said about the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine at-risk individuals. “We feel confident that our training is helping.” (Learn more about the training and find a free session here.)
Lakso regularly conducts training at posts and virtually, which started in February 2024.
“Success looks like everybody is trying to support suicide prevention efforts and training themselves,” she said. “Next year we are looking at doing ‘train the trainer’ and hopefully integrating that into Be the One training.”
The ongoing training, Buddy Checks and camaraderie of The American Legion all work together to build a community that wraps its arms around veterans in need like Brouse was about 15 years ago.
“I am extremely grateful for The American Legion,” he said “I was like a beggar who was hungry and they gave me a loaf of bread. Now I just want to help. I want to give that bread to other veterans, and say, ‘Come on, you're going to make it and I'm going to help you.’”
- Be the One