Reducing Veteran Suicide with the American Legion

Inside Mental Health

Veteran and double bronze star recipient shares how military culture might contribute to suicidality — or at least a lack of willingness to get help — and how the American Legion is trying to fix that.

Every day, 17 U.S. military veterans die by suicide. How can we even begin to stop this tragedy? The American Legion, a 107-year-old organization dedicated to serving veterans, has a plan.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Guest Bio

Dave Berkenfield leads the Chip Ganassi Racing, GMC HUMMER EV, Extreme E competition group as well as the broader Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, developing Human Performance Initiative on both the IndyCar and US / Global Sports Car Teams. Prior to joining Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Berkenfield completed a 25-year career serving in the U.S. Military Special Operations community focusing on building and leading small teams in dynamic and austere combat environments. During his military career, Berkenfield helped implement and apply cutting-edge and emerging technologies in tactical ground Mobility operations. He created advanced & performance driver training and curriculum development in addition to overseeing the engineering, development, and testing from conception through to validation of many unique and advanced two- and four-wheeled military off-road platforms. Serving with distinction during numerous combat deployments, SOCS (SEAL) Ret. Berkenfield was awarded two Bronze Stars with the Valorous devices, one Joint Commendation medal with Valor device, the Purple Heart medal, three combat action ribbons, two National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citations among many Presidential unit citations, and a multitude of other qualifications and awards. Berkenfield retired after a successful Troop Chief tour with 25 years of service in May of 2021 as a Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL). Berkenfield graduated summa cum laude from Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis.

Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without.

To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

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