Army Veteran receiving Mental Health Champion award
Roger Koch, a certified peer support specialist and US Army Veteran from Ozark Center’s Veteran Integration Program (VIP), is receiving the Mental Health Champion award this year! Missouri Mental Health Champions are individuals who make positive contributions to their community, exemplify commitment and vision, and whose actions have increased the potential for independence in others with similar mental health conditions. More information about the event here: https://www.missourimhf.org/mental-health-champions/ Roger Charles Koch, an extraordinary advocate for mental health, faced the challenges of military service and returned home with symptoms of PTSD after serving in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 2005. From experiences throughout his 20-year career, such as seeing active combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq, tackling his struggle with mental health was not an easy journey after coming home. After 14 years of retirement from the military while struggling with PTSD, Roger sought assistance and began his transformative journey — not only for himself but for the veterans he now serves. As the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) overseeing the Ozark Center’s Veteran Integration Program (VIP) since 2018, Roger has profoundly impacted the lives of countless veterans across Southwest Missouri. He created a comprehensive directory of veteran resources and has acted as a liaison between community organizations and state agencies to address healthcare, housing and employment needs. His ability to empathize with veterans’ reluctance to seek help, shaped by his own experiences, allows him to effectively break down barriers to recovery and foster trust within the community. In addition to his community-level work, Roger has represented veterans’ interests on state and national platforms — from lobbying with Missouri legislators to traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate for veteran policies. His media appearances on television and radio, including discussions on PTSD, suicide prevention and stigma reduction have educated the public and amplified the voices of veterans. Through all his efforts, Roger demonstrates a unique combination of competence, humility and authenticity. By openly sharing his own mental health journey, he provides hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles. His tireless work ensures that veterans feel seen, supported and empowered to pursue recovery. Roger’s contributions have not only transformed the lives of individual veterans but have also strengthened the broader mental health and support networks across Missouri. If you’re interested in more information about Ozark Center’s VIP program, here is a link: https://freemanhealth.com/ozarkcenter/specialty/services-for-veterans
The Topic of Veteran Suicide on Open Air Saturday with Hal Dulle
On March 22nd, host Hal Dulle sat down with the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Veterans Services Director, Jon Sabala, and talked about Veteran suicide. Hal and Jon discuss national and state veteran suicide data, Question Persuade Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training, and a few of examples of what can place people at increased risk of suicide. During the second half of the show, the two are joined by Troy Williams, Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer. The discussion moves into how service officers experience Veterans at risk of suicide and how applying for VA benefits can help reduce barriers to care. Listen to the entire podcast, scroll down to the show dated 3/22/25. https://kwos.com/open-air-saturday-on-demand/
Missouri Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) Launches Beyond The Uniform
The Missouri Governor’s Challenge state team has launched Beyond The Uniform to promote the state’s suicide prevention efforts for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). Impact of Suicide on SMVF: The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Data Report indicates that suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death for Veterans in 2022. In the same year, suicide was the 2nd-leading cause of death for Veterans under the age of 45. Additionally, the Missouri Veteran suicide rate was significantly higher than the national Veteran suicide rate. The data informs people about the severity of the issue but what is frequently missing from these stories is hope. The Role of Hope in Suicide Prevention: Hope serves an important role in suicide prevention. It can give people strength to keep going, even when life is at its darkest. Beyond The Uniform was created to provide hope by sharing news and information on Missouri’s efforts to help prevent suicide among SMVF. The Missouri Governor’s Challenge state team is asking for articles from Missourians and organizations across the state to highlight these activities. Community Involvement in Suicide Prevention: There are many individuals and organizations across the state working on preventing suicide in the military community. It is important to highlight these activities as a way to show hope. Every Missourian plays a role in preventing suicide and can make a difference. It is time to let everyone see the work being done to save Missouri lives. Submission Guidelines: If you or your organization has a suicide prevention event scheduled or recently completed, specifically for SMVF, please share it with us. Send an image and a short write-up to info@mogovchallenge.com. Submissions that include raising funds or do not specifically address preventing suicide in the military community will not be accepted.
Faith Community Training
Registration open for Faith Leaders to learn about preventing suicide among service members, Veterans, and their families. To assist faith leaders and their staff with supporting someone in crisis, the Missouri Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) is hosting a day of training. The training event will enhance the participants understanding of the military culture, receive suicide prevention training, learn how to talk about lethal means safety, and connect with resources in their local community. The training and skills provided at this event can be applied to all members of their congregation, not just service members, Veterans, and their families. Registration is now open thru 18 April, seating is limited. To register contact Jon Sabala: email Jon.Sabala@dmh.mo.gov or call (573) 751-2368.
Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day promotes “checking in”
The 22nd of each month is designated Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day. February’s message encourages everyone to reach out, check in with a service member, Veteran, or a family member. Being connected with others, avoiding isolation, can help reduce the risk of suicide. To learn more, visit Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day.
American Legion Post 416 hosts suicide prevention training
Legion Post 416 partnered with the Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team (MOVSPT) to host Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper training. The American Legion Post in Farmington, Missouri, is focused on addressing the issues facing service members, Veterans, and their families. On this day, they invited people to learn about suicide prevention. To do this, a post member reached out to a trainer from the Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team (MOVSPT). MOVSPT is a volunteer network of certified suicide prevention trainers. The team is made up of service members, veterans, military-connected family members. They provide in person, Question, Persuade Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper training at no cost. QPR is a nationally recognized course, proven to help prevent suicide. Attendees learned to recognize the warning signs and clues that someone may be at risk of suicide, how to talk with someone at risk, and connect them to help. Because of Legion Post 416’s willingness to host this training, 10 more “QPR Rescuers” are ready recognize someone at risk of suicide and offer hope. If your organization is ready to host suicide prevention training, contact a trainer today.
