Learn More Red Star Foundation VETERAN SUICIDE Since 2001, upwards of 300 THOUSAND veterans have died due to suicide. Leaving over 2 MILLION loved ones to grieve and ask WHY? About Red Star Foundation Honoring The FORGOTTEN FAMILIES There are over 2 MILLION family members and loved ones impacted by veteran suicides. LEARN MORE First Responders PROTECT & SERVE Each year approximately 500 first responders take their own life. Including nearly 200 police and 100 firefighters. LEARN MORE Suicide Prevention 270K ATTEMPTS There are over 270 THOUSAND military, veteran and first responder attempted suicides in the United States annually. LEARN MORE Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band
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Veterans Die by Suicide Annually
Veteran Suicide Rate
Veterans Suicide Awareness Ribbon
Honoring the Forgotten Families

About Red Star Foundation

Every day, an average of 44 veterans die by suicide. Over 16,000 deaths each year. This staggering number doesn’t include the 500+ active military members and 500 first responders who also die by suicide annually. Leaving a void in the hearts of millions of loved ones, while creating pain and grief that ripple through families and communities.

The Red Star Foundation is a nationwide organization dedicated to honoring and supporting the families and loved ones of current military members, veterans, and first responders who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide. In addition to survivor support, the Foundation works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, community outreach, and partnerships that promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support resources within military, veteran, and first responder communities.

Red Star Voices

THE POWER OF A STORY

Surviving family and friends share their stories, their heart and their grief about losing a loved one. Throughout these stories, families reflect on their approaches to grief and the healing process, while also acknowledging the importance of community and culture. Their insights show that, through resilience and support, suicide loss survivors can find understanding, meaning, and even joy in their lives while continuing to honor the lives of those they have lost.

A Symbol of Honor, Healing, and Hope

Red Star Banner

The Red Star Banner is a powerful emblem of remembrance, connection, and healing for families of military personnel, veterans, and first responders who have lost a loved one to suicide. More than a flag, it serves as a visible acknowledgment of grief, a bridge out of silence, and a symbol of unity in the face of tragedy.

Displaying the Red Star Banner provides emotional comfort and a sense of recognition for those navigating unimaginable loss. It offers a dignified, stigma-free way to express grief—fighting silence with visibility and fostering awareness around mental health in the military, veteran, and first responder communities.

By embracing terms like Red Star FamilyRed Star Wives, and Red Star Moms, we are reshaping the language around suicide loss. These empowering titles reduce stigma, promote solidarity, and encourage open conversations about mental health and healing.

The Red Star Banner is not just a tribute, it’s a movement toward compassion, connection, and change.

Red Star Banner
OUTREACH

COMING RESOURCES

Bereavement and grief support
Awareness and Prevention
Education and Training
Mental Health Support
Counseling
Peer to Peer Network
Leadership

Board Members

Matthew Mahoney

Executive Vice President

Gene Overstreet

Co-Chairman

Jerry Shaffer

Co-Chairman & CEO

Rich McAdoo

Secretary

Greg Tily

Treasurer

Bobbi Sedor

Corporate Responsibility

Father Bob Swick

Chaplain

Kevin Crowsyn

Advisor

Tony Marsh

Advisor

Mike Constantine

Advisor

John Hamre

Advisor
News, Stories and Information

Red Star News

Red Star Foundation Welcomes John Hamre to Its Board of Advisors

By Red Star Foundation | January 16, 2026

The Red Star Foundation is honored to announce that John Hamre, one of the most respected nonprofit and veteran-service fundraising…

Red Star Foundation Joins the Face the Fight Coalition

By Red Star Foundation | December 16, 2025

The Red Star Foundation is honored to announce that we have been accepted as an official Face the Fight Coalition…

City of Clearwater Becomes the First Red Star City in the Nation

By Red Star Foundation | November 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Clearwater Becomes the First Red Star City in the Nation Clearwater takes historic step in…

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