Jerry Shaffer stood under a canopy tent explaining the significance of the Red Star Foundation and the banner that sat on his table at the recent Palm Harbor Hero Fest.

The more established Gold Star Banner is a well known symbol for those in the military. It signifies that a family member has made the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving in the military. The Gold Star Families Foundation provides honor, hope and healing for grieving military families.

But what about those military families grieving for veterans and active duty military members who die by suicide?

It’s a question that seems so appropriate on Memorial Day weekend.

Supporting Grieving Families

When a grieving widow posed that question to Shaffer, it inspired him to create the Red Star Foundation. The mission? To honor and support those families who have lost a military member or first responder to suicide, and work towards prevention through education, training and awareness. Shaffer said the foundation is building a strong community that meets the needs of survivors committed to fostering healing and hope. Shaffer notes that while 102,000 military personnel have been killed in action since 1950, 150,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001. More than 6,400 veterans and almost 500 active service members took their own lives in 2022, according to data from the Veterans Administration. Shaffer said roughly 500 current and former first responders also died by suicide,

Many of the veterans find themselves dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Plus, the challenges of transitioning to a civilian life can be difficult for military members. The loss of routine and regiment leaves some feeling adrift.

“Three things happen when someone leaves the military,” said Shaffer, a U.S. Marines veteran. “They lose a sense of identity, they lose a sense of purpose, and they lose a sense of community. They leave their friends.” 

Part of the effort includes Red Star Voices, a chance for family members to share their sorrow. A video on the site shows Tonya Mort sharing about the day she learned her son had died by suicide. It’s moving and emotional, but Shaffer said she agreed to do it. It helps with her healing, it gives her purpose in trying to save someone else’s life. And maybe something a military member hears in the video will lead to someone else making a different decision.

ACE Grant Aids Support

To foster Red Star’s initiative, United Way Suncoast awarded the foundation with one of its ACE (Access, Capacity, Equity) Grants. The program is a community investment initiative that provides operational funding to nonprofit organizations in our footprint. It focuses on supporting innovative practices that enhance access to services, build organizational capacity, and promote equity for ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) families. 

For Red Star, the dollars will go towards supporting its awareness campaign through its pledge program. The program encourages individuals to commit to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the value and purpose of life. Those who take the Pledge will receive an awareness ribbon and a certificate. The grant also will help fund the production and distribution of Red Star Service Pins and Service Banners to families. They’ll serve as a symbol of remembrance and emotional support.

Shaffer shared that the foundation made a presentation at MacDill Air Force Base that proved to be well-received by rank and file airmen. One stepped forward after the presentation and conceded she was battling thoughts of suicide and the presentation stirred a more positive emotion.

Overall, Red Star expects the funds to benefit 1,800 veterans, military personnel and their families, as well as 500-plus families who have lost loved ones in the military. The funds will help ensure that the Red Star Foundation can continue its vital work in suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and support for those in need.