John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68
Leland, NC

FACT:

APPROXIMATELY 18 TO 24 VETERANS DIE EVERY DAY

FROM SUICIDE

 

Increasing Public Awareness About Veteran Suicides

 

The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 "Be The One" team, led by former Post Commander John Hacker, consists of a dozen Post 68 members and was formed in response to the National Headquarters of the American Legion’s call to action (see below) to help address an alarming increase in veteran suicides. Suicide respects no gender, age, social or economic status, or geographical boundaries. According to data from the Veterans Administration (VA), more than 18-24 veterans die by suicide each day. * By the VA’s own admission, that number may be significantly higher if deaths from severe alcohol or drug abuse are factored in.

 

The "Be The One" suicide awareness program seeks to accomplish two primary goals: to destigmatize public discussion of veteran suicide and to increase public awareness about the issue and available support. Post 68’s team uses a two-pronged approach in implementing "Be The One", focusing first on education to make conversations about veteran suicide more open, and second on connecting individuals with critical resources to support prevention.

 

The local program depends on donations and grants to facilitate its efforts, distribute materials, and provide training. The team developed a brief training session to promote public awareness and highlight tools available in the community. The team also created and distributed a wallet-sized plastic resource card that allows users to access key services, including veteran, financial, medical, food, housing, and drug rehab resources. In addition, it developed a 10-point program to help other Legion organizations start their own initiatives.

 

Recognizing the team’s leadership, the American Legion, Department of NC, has designated Post 68 to lead the state’s Legion "Be The One" program. In 2025, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo honored the team, while John Hacker, the team’s leader, received Leland’s Citizen of the Year award.

 

Over the past two years, the team provided suicide awareness training and demonstrated the resource tool to hundreds of area law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders, including veterans, veteran service officers, other service organization members, and church leaders. It delivered training to leadership, officials, and members of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department, the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, various North Carolina Legion Posts, Brunswick County service providers, and churches. The team plans to conduct awareness and training sessions with the Carolina Beach City Council and all Brunswick County Sheriff Department Deputies. Organizations, public officials, and others interested in learning more about Post 68’s "Be The One" program and how they can get involved should contact John Hacker at jveteran13@gmail.com.

 

​The "Be the One" program of the American Legion is a comprehensive initiative focused on preventing veteran suicide by encouraging individuals to take action and support veterans who may be struggling with mental health issues. It aims to destigmatize mental health treatment, empower people to recognize when a veteran is in crisis, and provide them with the tools and resources to help.

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