- JOSH MACH -

It is my mission to help combat the Veteran suicide rate. My mission is to lower the veteran suicide rate which currently averages at twenty-two Veterans per day. The podcast helps not only raise awareness about the high rate of Veteran suicide, but each podcast also helps a Veteran by having a conversation with said Veteran. Sharing stories and reminding the Veteran that they are not alone in their struggles.

My favorite part of what we do at MVGA currently is the podcasts, it helps save me just as much as it helps save fellow Veterans. It is more than just a podcast to me. I am blessed enough to be able to use the podcast as a form of therapy myself. It helps me voice, see, and battle my demons. All while sharing my story and helping my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. It will help me not only confront and fight the 22-a-day Veteran Suicide rate, but it will help me get ahead of the fight. By allowing me to reach out and spread the word to current military members getting ready to start their transition into the Veteran world.

The best defense against the suicide rate is by having the best offense. The transition stage from military to Veteran is part of the most difficult and vulnerable time for the Veteran, and a lot of the time, the Veteran does not even notice the depression and mental health issues are kicking in until it is almost too late. By playing offense, I will start attacking the transitioning personnel to start fighting their demons and working on their mental health before they even have the chance to become a Veteran. 

The long-term vision is to have an office as well as a converted van that I can travel to the Veteran and record a podcast on the go. I also have the vision of creating a Veteran only community. One of the main struggles that Veterans face after getting out of the military is the loss of brotherhood and the sense of belonging. Having the veterans live in the same community brings that brotherhood and sense of belonging back. I hope this will also help reduce not only the Veteran suicide rate, but the crime committed

by Veterans and will help keep Veterans out of trouble.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about why we do what we do! If you are interested in telling your story, having a conversation, getting involved, or becoming a MVGA supporter please email me at  mvgapodcast@gmail.com.