ACMF is a non-profit organization in Arizona that works with public and private partners to build the state’s capacity to support Arizona’s 500,000+ service members, veterans, and their families with a collective impact model that uses an upstream approach to suicide prevention. | | |
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In January 2014, the Arizona Coalition for Military Families was formally recognized on the floor of Congress. Then-Representative Kyrsten Sinema highlighted Arizona’s work to support National Guard members, their families, and the broader military-connected community, marking the first public mention of both the Coalition and the Be Connected program.
That moment was more than symbolic. It was an early endorsement of Arizona’s collaborative model, one that has since shaped national strategies, informed policy, and strengthened support systems across the state and beyond.
Senator Sinema, a member of a military family, has remained a strong advocate for Arizona’s service members, veterans, and families. Her early recognition helped bring national attention to the power of coordinated, community-based support.
Over the past decade, that model has grown into a statewide ecosystem focused on upstream prevention, data-informed decision-making, and public-private partnership. The Coalition has since been called on by Congress, the White House, and federal agencies to share insights and help other states replicate what’s working in Arizona.
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That 2014 speech was the beginning of something bigger. Today, Arizona stands as a national leader in building coordinated systems of support for military-connected communities. The success of ACMF offers a blueprint for other states to follow—one grounded in public-private partnership, upstream prevention, and real-world results.
See our long history of working alongside state and national leaders at:
ConnectVeterans.org/Championing.
Warm regards,
Thomas Winkel
Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families
| | Discover the Power of Connection | | |
The newest edition of The Connected Veteran magazine is now available. This issue is all about the Coaching Into Connection program, a no-cost opportunity that’s changing lives across Arizona by helping service members, veterans, and their families build stronger connections with people, purpose, and community.
At a time when over half of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, this program offers a way to meet new people, try new things or even reconnect with hobbies once enjoyed. Inside this issue, you’ll find real stories from people whose lives have been transformed by working with a Connection Coach from Be Connected. Whether you’re looking for support or know someone who could use a little encouragement, this edition of The Connected Veteran offers a meaningful place to start.
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Get Certified in Mental Health First Aid
Be Connected is offering no-cost Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training sessions in August and October 2025, tailored for Arizona's service members, veterans, and their families.
Why Participate?
- Recognize and Respond: Learn to identify signs of mental health issues and substance use challenges.
- Provide Support: Gain skills to offer initial help and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
- Build Confidence: Equip yourself to assist friends, family, and community members facing mental health concerns.
What You'll Learn
- Common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
- Crisis situations, including panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and reactions to traumatic events.
- The ALGEE action plan: Assess, Listen, Give reassurance, Encourage professional help, and Encourage self-help.
Take the first step in making a positive impact. Register for an upcoming MHFA session at ConnectVeterans.org/MHFA.
| | Arizona Proves What's Possible | | |
Arizona is leading the nation in implementing the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). With more than 500 vetted partner organizations, deep collaboration between state, federal, and community partners, and a central support line (866-4AZ-VETS), Arizona was ready to act when the Fox Grant launched. As a result, we’ve reached more veterans, faster and more effectively than nearly any other state.
From January 2023 to September 2024, Arizona achieved:
- 6,450+ outreach contacts (13.5x the national average)
- 485 screenings (4x the average)
- 186 eligible participants
- 87% of referrals from non-VA sources, helping us reach veterans not currently engaged with the VA
Two core programs, Coaching Into Connection and the Care Transition Team, are helping reduce isolation and provide targeted support during critical life transitions.
Arizona’s leadership has been nationally recognized by the VA, DoD, CDC, and the White House as a best-practice model for upstream prevention and public-private collaboration.
Every number tells a story—and every story reflects the strength of a system built to save lives. Learn more about Arizona’s model and impact.
| | From Roadblock to Road Ready | A veteran who recently relocated to Arizona was facing difficulties obtaining a driver’s license due to unresolved historical court proceedings. Through the Be Connected support line, the veteran was linked up with a team member who connected them to a legal assistance program specializing in resolving past legal matters. Through the guidance provided by the program, the veteran was able to file the necessary documents to resolve the outstanding proceedings, ultimately enabling them to secure an Arizona driver’s license. This milestone was critical for the veteran, as it allowed them to fulfill caregiving responsibilities for their parents, who required regular transportation for medical appointments and other essential needs. | | The Be Connected Postvention program provides compassionate support and guidance for individuals, families, organizations, and communities in Arizona who have experienced a suicide loss involving a service member or veteran. To learn more and download the Community Guide to Postvention, visit ConnectVeterans.org/Postvention. | | Get ready for a series of exciting upcoming events that promise to bring the community together. From important historical observations, thought-provoking discussions to engaging activities, there's something for everyone to look forward to – mark your calendars and join us for memorable moments ahead! Visit ConnectVeterans.org/events for more information on these and other events. | | Follow Us on Social Media! |
| The Arizona Coalition for Military Families works collaboratively with government agencies, community members, and partner organizations to form an Ecosystem of Support that Arizona's service members, veterans, and their families can access through the Be Connected support line, 866-4AZ-VETS, and ConnectVeterans.org. Be Connected offers no-cost support and connections to resources and has trained more than 6,000 community members to provide resource navigation services. | | | | |
