Tag: Fort

Fort Bragg Harley Davidson will host the Fighting For Mental Health event on April 6, located at 3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd. The event is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature various vendors, non-profits, and food trucks. Admission is free. For more details, reach out to Sgt. Elias Burgos at 786-518-1944.
As highlighted in the National Health Institute Report on The Health Status of United States Veterans, veterans generally face more severe health outcomes compared to non-veterans, even after adjusting for age and other variables. Contributing factors to the higher incidence of chronic health issues among veterans include the significant physical and psychological stress from combat, deployments, and trauma, alongside the demands of maintaining peak physical fitness for active duty. Mental health issues are particularly prevalent in the veteran community, with about 43 percent suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or substance misuse. Depression significantly increases risks for morbidity and mortality, and veterans face a suicide rate that is 1.5 times that of the general populace.
The Fighting For Mental Health team, composed of Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Sgt. Jonathan Lovegren, Sgt. Elias Burgos, Sgt. Katherine Carrizales, and Spc. David Rodriguez, emphasizes the critical importance of mental health for service members.
“The Fort Bragg Fighting For Mental Health initiative was established to support individuals who have faced mental health challenges or had loved ones who have. My co-founders and I launched this safe space based on our own experiences—either directly or through close relationships. It’s crucial to reach out for mental support, as many military service members are unsure of where to find help,” they stated. “A primary goal is to increase awareness of the 988 crisis hotline. There is a lingering stigma within the military regarding mental health care, which has persisted over generations. We aim to inform both military and civilian communities that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. FMH is dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and reducing stigma. Everyone, from service members and veterans to stay-at-home parents, first responders, and educators, is valuable and deserves support. Our motto is ‘Tomorrow needs you.’ FMH strives to ensure that everyone recognizes their importance.”
If you or someone you know requires immediate assistance, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988. For additional support, veterans can press 1 once connected. The hotline guarantees confidentiality, and trained crisis counselors are available to assist.
This service is free and accessible 24/7, all year round.

(Photo: The Fort Bragg Fighting for Mental Health team gathers for a photo. Their motto is “Tomorrow needs you.” Photo courtesy of Sgt. Elias Burgos)