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Operation Warrior Hope: First Sergeant (Ret.) Jason Belford, Army Ranger and former First Sergeant at Fort Benning, Georgia, reached a breaking point in 2022 after two decades of military service. He spent 17 years fighting in the Global War on Terrorism, including 15 years in U.S. Army Special Operations. Years of combat deployments, personal loss, post-traumatic stress, and a difficult transition from the 75th Ranger Regiment gradually took their toll. Despite his reputation as a tough, resilient leader, Belford quietly battled depression, guilt, divorce, financial hardship, and the pain of being separated from his children.
On the day he attempted to take his own life, his weapon failed to fire. A series of timely interventions—including support from the Ranger Regiment and a late-night text from a friend—helped save him. By reaching out for help, Belford discovered he was not alone and that many fellow service members and Veterans were fighting similar battles.
Today, Belford shares his story to encourage Soldiers and Veterans to seek help, reminding them that even in their darkest moments, hope and support are often closer than they realize. He now works with Operation Warrior Hope, a suicide prevention initiative co-founded by Ken Branch, Charter Company Commander of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Belford recently spoke at the Ranger Rendezvous, where he shared his journey of resilience
and highlighted resources that aided in his recovery, including The Way to Happiness, a common-sense moral guidebook that he recommends as a valuable tool for anyone's kit bag. One Purple Heart recipient after reading the book said:
"Day by day and precept by precept I found my life getting calmer and calmer... I haven't felt this calm in a VERY long time."
To request a free personal copy, contact OpWarriorHope@gmail.com. Belford’s documentary, The War Inside Me, can be seen at https://vimeo.com/1161664808. He is also the author of the forthcoming book of the same title.
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