Memorial & Dedication

Danny was not only by boss when I worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs but also my best friend. Danny and I would share everything together. He was my mentor, my father figure and my inspiration for starting the Veteran Support Hotline. This was a dream of ours that he never got to see come to fruition. Everything that I do with this organization has his memory in mind. I have never met a Veteran that cared more deeply about Veteran health than Danny. Danny lost his life to pulmonary fibrosis in May 2021. You were and always will be my Anchor.

I had the pleasure of meeting Chance Derrick in Germany in 2014. We were doing our annual training and he was cross-assigned to my unit. We became so close in such a short time. We did not stay in touch as often as I would have liked over the years after returning home but he never left my mind or my heart. In 2018 when I was in Syria on a deployment, Chance called me. He told me that he wanted to end his life and wanted to tell me what an impact I had made on him. I felt as though he was asking for my permission to die. Unfortunately, Chance took his life shortly after that in October 2018. I will never forget you Chance. Prayers for your surviving son.

David was 19 and serving in the Army Reserves.

On May 7th 2020 David took his own life 13 days before his 20th birthday.

David was not just a soldier, he was a son and a much loved grandson and nephew. Most of all, he was an amazing husband and he was going to be a daddy that November. I can`t tell you have much our lives have changed since David`s death. He left behind so many people who loved and cared about him. He has a beautiful little girl that loves her Daddy in Heaven. He is still a big part of our lives, there is not a day that goes by that he is not talked of and thought about. David will never be forgotten, but I wish we didn`t have to look back on only memories of him. I wish he was here continuing to make new memories with us, especially his daughter. Even though David and I only had a year and half together, he changed my life forever. Losing him was the hardest thing I've ever gone through

If you are reading this and you have ever had suicidal thoughts, please think of your future and what you could be leaving behind. There are people who love and care about you. There is so much that I and so many other people would have done ,if we had known Davids intent that day.

SSG Jeffrey Jelliff served in the USAR and the Federal Civil Service. He went on multiple overseas deployments in support of OIF. He leaves behind his wife and two sons.

SSG William Fish served in the USAR. He went on multiple overseas deployments in support of OIF.

SGT Fred Arcera served in the USAR. He went on multiple overseas tours in support of OIF.

The Department of Veteran Affairs released a study that 20 Veterans a day commit suicide. I pray that I am around to see that number decrease. Always remember that just because you have a short encounter with someone, the person you are may have a greater impact than you realize.

Become a member of Kelsey’s Army! This young lady tragically lost her life after being kidnapped in broad daylight. Please help her family in changing legislation in all 50 states to protect our youth and hopefully prevent violent acts like this from happening in your community.

Kelsey's Army