As most Americans are aware, the suicide rate among our Military and First Responder heroes is above average due to the impact of the trauma and stress they have experienced on duty. We refer to this as post-traumatic stress (not PTSD) because we agree that PTS is more often an injury, not a disorder. And calling it a "disorder" creates a stigma that can cause our heroes to avoid seeking the help they need to deal with the circumstances.

​

One of the goals of the Spirit of America Museum is to educate the public about trauma and how it impacts the lives of our heroes, and in many cases, their families. As the museum travels the nation on tour, we will let visitors know about the seriousness and complexity of this problem, and increase their passion to reach out and help anyone they can.

​

If a person feels supported by friends and family, it can reduce the risk of developing symptoms. It can also be helpful for a person to join a support group, so they can share their thoughts, fears and questions with other people who have also experienced trauma. Using healthy, positive coping strategies (such as exercise, meditation, playing a musical instrument, or caring for a pet) can also be helpful. As we raise funds through the Museum on tour, a portion will be donated directly to those non-profit organizations that are working directly with veterans and first responders to help them deal with their trauma.