Summer 2025

TO VIEW THE FULL VERSION OF OUR NEWSLETTER AS A WEBPAGE

Click View as Webpage

OPERATIONS UPDATES



Ø Stand-by-me Heroes (SBMH) We continue to remain focused on preventing suicides across our Veteran and First Responder communities. We are thankful to the Medal of Honor Allen Lynch Foundation which approved a $10K grant allowing us to reach out to those in distress with invisible scars of war. Also, preparations are under way to host fall SBMH Workshops.

The Deep Dive Report of 2020 is a civilian study, with contributors from Alabama and Duke Universities. The daily suicide rate across the veteran community, is estimated between 22 to 44 suicides. Why are these numbers so different? The Coroners Association of America determined it was in the general interest to redefine suicides: slashing your wrists, hanging yourself is not necessarily reported as suicide for various academic reasons. Therefore, in spite of academic and logical ignorance we remain diligent to save the lives of those disparaged by some political and academic entities. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Deep Dive Report of 2020 please email a request.

Ø Veterans Exiting Homelessness (VEHP) Jim Dunne and his team continue to operate this program, however, we have run into a major snag. Donations were increasing every year as we gathered move-in-essentials for veterans moving from homelessness into a more permanent residence. Jim and his team coordinated with Veterans Service Organizations, Houses of Worship, retirement homes and other partners to gather donated supplies which were then distributed by local VA

facilities and their HUD VASH teams. To date we have provided over 3,000 beds for veterans and supplied over $1.5 million in move-in-essentials.

However, we need your help! We have lost our warehouse support as our former storehouse moved to another location far away from where we operate. If you know of anyone willing to share their Chicagoland warehouse space with our Veterans Exiting Homelessness program, please contact us.

Ø Moral Injury Research, John P. Bair, PhD. This professional team based at the Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL continues their focused Moral Injury research in partnership with Military Outreach USA.

As children we were raised with specific moral values which we followed into adulthood. However, upon enlisting in the military to support our nation's freedoms, and in a fight-or-flight reaction we were trained to pull the trigger taking lives or we have witnessed atrocities or other combat situations. Many veterans and active-duty soldiers either learn to manage this part of their lives and live productively or they choose suicide. Dr Bair has dealt with this issue since Vietnam and continues, in his retirement years, to gather and mentor research teams and seek grants to further this research. Please email us if you want to join and/or support this key effort.

Ø Florida SBMH Chapter becomes an official 501(c)(3). This will allow our dedicated team to continue to impact the lives of veterans in an official capacity. This team will support the programs above with a focus on Florida and the Southeast US.

Ø SBMH Monthly Town Hall via Zoom (Veteran-related topics) Join this monthly call every 4^th Monday @ 6:30 pm CST, 7:30 pm EST. Our hosts are Donna Adams and Chappy Ferrer. Contact us at Donnaadams@militaryoutreachusa.org,

Bridge: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84982315899?pwd=ZjZCL0d4U3Zia3pBZmp5bnJvby9CQT09

Meeting ID: 849 8231 5899, Passcode: 584428, 

Mobile. 312 626 6799, 849 823 15899#

Note: Video may not work depending on your area, but audio will.

Ø SBMH Veterans Community Center Initiative.

We are combining the strengths of our programs to support a new initiative that will have immediate impacts toward reducing the daily suicide deaths of 22+ per day and homelessness.

This Center will be focused on taking female, male and single veterans with children off the streets and provide 24/7 support, VA medical support, training and housing through regional Hud-VASH teams.

Donate: We ask for a monthly recurring donation of $7 so we can convert a facility or purchase property where we can build this center for Veterans. If you know an organization that may want to support this effort monthly or annually, Our website is www.MilitaryOutreachUSA.org. Go to our donation page and in the drop-down you will see Veterans Community Center. You can also scan the QRL to access our brochure.

Howard volunteered with Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW 5151, Stand-By-Me Heroes, American Legion, Wounded Warriors and the list goes on and on as this was his heart. A gentle soul despite the invisible scars of war. We spoke about our traumas working on bearing one another’s burdens. We talked and cried but at the end of each conversation we thanked our God that we were blessed with the capability to cope and move forward. With faith family, friends and country, we simply knew how blessed we continued to be.

I reminded Howard he was my hero which he downplayed reminding me I was a paratrooper and had hit too many trees and boulders and was thus disoriented and crazy which I can’t deny. I know I was greatly blessed to have Howard as my friend and brother.

Here are a couple of excerpts from Howard’s final letter to his awesome wife and friend Nancy. “My Dearest Nancy, you are the sweetest, most giving, honest and loving person I have ever met. You are the best friend anyone could ever want. Our meeting, while I was home on leave from the US Navy, at Columbus Illinois Strassenfest, was a God-moment and I’m so proud you touch my heart with your loving kindness. You are a wonderful person and we will be together again soon. With all my love. Howard.”

Howard and Nancy’s legacy will live on through their son, daughter and all who were blessed to know him. Their legacies will be spoken of and stored in our hearts until we meet again and then catch up on many things.

Brother, you are already missed. Truly you can now rest in a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Veterans Exiting Homelessness Program (VEHP)

Our Veterans Exiting Homelessness Program includes our Beds-for-Vets program. Since 2016, we have supplied 3,045 beds to veterans across our nation, thanks to the support of people like you!

Thank you to all who hold this program in prayer and to those of you who financially support this way of honoring the men and women who served us so well.

If you know of potential opportunities to fund this program and allow qualified Veterans to sleep in their own beds, please let us know. For some, these "Welcome Home" gifts are the first beds of their very own they have ever had, and it is a great way to show our nation's appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Many companies want to reward employees (or retirees) who volunteer at non-profit organizations - by matching or giving cash to the organization! It is as simple as asking your employer. Or ask a family member and your friends if they work for an organization that rewards volunteering or matches donations. Contact TomasaReis@militaryouteachusa.org for more information.

How you can reach us!

SBMH Help line - 877-734-4244

For additional information please email us at Info@militaryoutreach.org or leave us a message on our website by clicking here.

General Mukoyama and Chappy met with actor/musician Gary Sinise at Cantigny before the concert honoring Veterans.

Crowd at Cantigny celebrating Veterans and waiting to hear the Lt. Dan Band: Rockin' for Our Vets on a beautiful July afternoon and evening in Wheaton IL.

For more information click here

June 29 MOUSA FUNDRAISER

$7,267.80 received in donations

Thank you all!

Despite the 90 degree weather, our fundraising event at Schaumburg Boomers baseball stadium at WinTrust Field was fun for all!

We were able to meet many new people veterans and civilians who were interested in our work with reducing the suicide rate among veterans and first responders, moral injury and PTSD, MST and other practical projects like Beds-for-Vets and Move-in-Essentials for veterans transitioning from homelessness into housing.

Thanks all who attended and supported this event, and a special thanks to Angela Walker, President of North Chicago Rotary, who helped us coordinate our first fundraiser event since Covid.



UPCOMING EVENTS FOR VETERANS

November 7-11, 2025 Deerfield IL Field of Honor A stunning panorama of US flags will offer a patriotic tribute to honor our heroes. Flags can be sponsored to honor specific individuals. Display will be open to all free of charge. https://www.healingfield.org/event/deerfield-il/

Greater Chicago Veterans Food Pantry at Hines VA Hospital, building 9, auditorium. Every Thursday from 10 am to noon. Providing food for those who served. DD214 & photo required.

Animal Therapy for Veterans and their families. Last Sunday of each month 10:30 AM to Noon. SoulHarbour Ranch, Barrington IL www.soulharbourranch.com RSVP: Jodie@ 855-408-7685 or call Veteran Liaison USAF Pilot, Lt. Colonel Gina Stramaglio 316-708-9788.

Military Families - 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm CT in person or via Zoom. New expanded location in Gurnee: Maria's Tribe, a support group for veterans' spouses, caregivers, partners and loved ones offers an opportunity for members to share personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies. Maria's Tribe and Bodyworks for Vets, 135 N Greenleaf St, suite 210, Gurnee. 312-818-9721

Veterans Pet Supply Pantry: 4th Thursday of every month 10AM to Noon at Hines VA Hospital, Bldg 9, 5000 5th Avenue Hines IL in conjunction with Hinsdale Humane Society. Includes cat/dog food, cat litter, cat/dog toys 630-323-5630 Click here for more information

Chapter director Phil Jelen is in Englewood, FL. He is a proud member of American Legion Post 113, Rotunda West, FL, and VFW Post 5151 in Streamwood IL.

Chappy Ferrer - Founder, Stand-by-me Heroes, Stand-by-My-Heroes and Our Priority Family

Those interested in spiritual growth are encouraged to join our weekly devotional, via email. Send email request to: Ourpriorityfamily@gmail.com. We do NOT share contact information.

Interested in a weekly devotional? Our focus is on the book of Psalms and I encouraged you to receive this devotional, via email. Know we do NOT share private information. Send email request to: Ourpriorityfamily@gmail.com

I am sure most have read a Psalm whether listening to sermons or a focused study. As I read Psalms I found an interesting recurring sequence across the majority of Psalms. In the beginning of the Psalms God is immediately praised or there is a desperate plea of repentance. For a Christian, the Old Testament is a teacher of how individuals and nations ought to manage their lives glorifying our God Most-High. 

However, as lessons repeat, humanity often chooses the desires of the flesh over our God-given mission, to be fruitful throughout our lives and multiply in the flesh and spirit. I would have thought this was simple, but as Paul acknowledges throughout the book of Romans, the flesh and spirit are in constant battle. Sometimes the flesh wins the day and other times our spirit in Christ. Our Lord taught us that prayer and praise are essential in our daily survival. Are we teachable?

Self-aware. In my youth Bishop Nathaniel Jeffreys, my pastor and mentor, was focused on the Old Testament and its many lessons of life and leadership. He taught of great leaders, chosen by God, who had very humble beginnings such as David who began as a shepherd. Well-taught in the faith, trusted his God in all matters, killed a lion and bear, was enraged when Goliath cursed his God. He then became king, self-aware, educated and ruled as God’s first representative in this world. He was clearly not surrounded by spiritually-minded leaders and David became full of himself as king. His arrogance grew and he forgot his roots and sinned. Many of his acts caused fatalities throughout his nation and the list goes on as to the many sins he allowed.

The heart. What separated David from many was his heart. Even the Lord stated David had a heart for his God and repented from his many sins, often. We have choices in this life and like David if we have a heart for God, no matter the sin (there are no levels of sin in God’s many proclamations), salvation is guaranteed but the fruit of repentance must become visible. When our sins are washed away, we are like newborn children again. Where is your heart today? No matter the choices, no matter how bad, there are opportunities for correction and new mentorship.

In each Psalm a major theme is repentance, and it is absolutely clear there is always forgiveness to a contrite heart.

I am reminded that our daily habits will determine our successes or failures in this very short life. If early in the morning we are not in prayer and praise, if we do not drink from the fountain of life in Christ Jesus daily, then victory will be replaced with hardships and misery to our spirit and flesh. If you have never had

any spiritual battles in your life, it is probably because the enemy of your soul does not consider you a threat to his plans. Thus, we have a daily choice to follow or fall subject to dark forces.

To the Christian, we have an obligation to make a difference in the lives of our family, communities and nation. If you are looking for a mission that will change and save lives, send us an email and join our army.

Foxhole Soul Counselors (FSC) from our SBMH Chapters attend events and engage with anyone who asks for 1:1 Soul Counseling. Not only are those who lost comrades continuing to hurt, but we must not forget their families and friends. 

We hear souls crying out for someone to ‘Stand-by-me.’ Our Foxhole Soul Counselors are there to speak with anyone suffering from a soul pain, moral injury or PTSD. Foxhole Soul Counselors focus on faith, not religion, to restore one's whole person and to walk with them as friend, as family. 



These men and women, intervening for others, are making a difference resulting in wounded men and women choosing life instead of suicide. We are grateful for those who befriend those calling out for someone to Stand-by-me!

HELP LINE ((877)734-4244. 

Conversations are private, names are never released and you can use your call sign.

SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION 

Are you worried a Veteran or service member in your life is considering suicide? ASK. Asking about possible suicidal thoughts opens communication, breaks isolation, and validates emotions, reducing stigma and providing an opportunity for immediate support. Then, SEEK HELP. 

Click here to join our Zoom Town Hall 6:30 PM Central time August 25, 2025.

Meeting ID: 849 8231 5899 Passcode: 584428



One tap mobile

+13126266799,,84982315899# US (Chicago)

+13092053325,,84982315899# US

Worthwhile Women

Leah Gwen McCool, SBMH Florida Chapter Co-Director

Veteran Seargeant, US Air Force, MAT Education Liberty University

ALL THAT MATTERS

Everywhere you look or listen, you will find individuals with smiles and laughter, or with anger, sadness, and tears. In a flash, life is subject to change. None of us is given the promise of tomorrow, so today is the day that matters. Today, you and I must choose one of two roads: the road less traveled or the express lane.

Taking time to unpack the last few sentences of the first paragraph, let us examine the unexamined life. According to Socrates, the unexamined life is not worth living. Socrates held to the belief that life has deep meaning and purpose; I concur. The basis for this statement is the fact that reflection (soul searching) and personal development are not only for an individual, but for all those he or she encounters. Many of the people I encounter seem to move at warp speed, juggling many roles as caretaker, spouse, student, boss, homemaker, nurse, small business owner, employee, and the list continues.

Life is happening all around us, but what can I do to help others? I am glad you asked that question; let me share what I know.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet several people with examined lives who have physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. You may believe that you are not equipped, you are not a counselor, a physician, a pastor, or a mental health professional, but I have great news to share with you! If you are reading this article, you are a blessing. You possess the ability to listen and to learn. One of my favorite life strategies is to seek others who need companionship when I am hurting. Yes, you read that sentence correctly! I have found that during times when I have more demands and deadlines, I need to find someone to invite for coffee, tea, or lunch. In my faith, my prayer is “Less of me, and more of you, God”.

Taking time or making time for someone offers an individual perspective. Many people long for companionship, a friend to talk to, or an opportunity to take a small break from reality. Something miraculous occurs when we spend time with others. Often, we find commonalities, or we may discover that we are complete opposites that complement one another! We can learn from one another, and we can generally discover a cut, bruise, or crushing blow to the soul. In these moments, we listen and we learn.

Someone commented about the passing of several celebrities over the previous months, and I found myself reading about a certain person of great fame and fortune. The man, when interviewed, told the reporter that the “things” such as cars, houses, bank accounts, and such DID NOT MATTER. The celebrity discovered, before the end of his life, what genuinely mattered- his FAITH. After all the fame and fortune, he gained the knowledge that life is more than THINGS.

You and I do not take anything with us when we take our last breath on earth, so what matters? Socrates believed the examined life mattered, and I hold to the truth that all life matters. Each person has a soul, and that soul has needs. When we reach out to those we encounter in the gas line, at the grocery store, or wherever we can find people, we get to share a great gift with others… ourselves. We get to demonstrate encouragement to someone who puts on a brave face, but is broken on the inside. Help others, because all that matters is our faith and how we make others feel. May they see us as ambassadors of love and compassion.

Now, the great challenge is to find someone who needs encouragement. Most of us will not need to look far, for within each life, we find that we are encouraged by helping others. You matter, and so do the people you will help on life’s journey!

Need Help?



SBMH Help line - 847-734-4244

For additional information please contact us at Info@militaryoutreach.org

To receive our newsletter electronically every quarter, click on the Newsletter box on our website at Military Outreach USA

To support our efforts financially, click Donate