What Are Red Star Families?
Red Star Families are the parents, spouses, children, siblings, and loved ones of military personnel, veterans, and first responders lost to suicide. Every year, over 8,000 families face this unimaginable loss, yet many feel forgotten, isolated, and without support. The Red Star Foundation is committed to changing that.
We honor their sacrifice, provide compassionate support, and build a strong community where they can heal together. By embracing terms like Red Star Family, Red Star Wives, and Red Star Moms, we are reshaping the language around suicide loss - reducing stigma, promoting solidarity, and encouraging open conversations about mental health and healing.
The Challenges Red Star Families Face
Losing a loved one to suicide brings unique struggles, including:
- Stigma - Many families feel isolated due to the lingering stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
- Unanswered questions - Grief is often compounded by guilt, anger, and confusion.
- Lack of support - Many families struggle to find the right resources to cope and heal.
For families
Request a free Red Star Banner and Service Pin. Connect with peers. Share your story when you're ready.
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How we stand with Red Star Families
01
Honoring their loved ones
Veteran Suicide Awareness Ribbon - a powerful symbol of remembrance and advocacy. Memorial programs - events that celebrate and honor those who served and sacrificed.
02
Grief and bereavement support
Peer-to-peer networking - connecting families to others who truly understand their loss. Counseling resources - access to grief counselors and support groups.
03
Raising awareness & fighting stigma
Public awareness campaigns - educating communities about the impact of suicide among military, veterans, and first responders. Advocacy for change - working toward better mental health care and suicide prevention programs.
04
Training and education
Survivor advocacy training - empowering families to become voices for change. Educational workshops - insight into mental health challenges and how to support others.
A community of hope and healing
At the Red Star Foundation, no family grieves alone. Through our nationwide peer network and community-building events, we provide a safe space for Red Star Families to connect, heal, and support one another.
Join the movement: support Red Star Families
Red Star Families deserve recognition, support, and resources to rebuild their lives. You can help by:
- Supporting our programs for grieving families.
- Advocating for better mental health care and suicide prevention.
- Honoring the memory of those we've lost.
Together, We Can Make a Difference. Join us today and stand with Red Star Families.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list
Stay connected with our Red Star Foundation community advocates by joining our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter and events.
Programs for families