Guitars for Vets’ #135Alive Campaign was born out of a tragedy that shook the Veteran community. In April of 2025, a Veteran died by suicide outside a VA hospital. The act was a powerful and heartbreaking statement about the urgent need for better support and healing for those who have served.
In the aftermath, a statistic was shared that reshaped how we view the impact of suicide: for every life lost, approximately 135 others are directly affected: spouses, children, friends, fellow service members, coworkers, and entire communities. The ripple is wide and devastating.
The truth is, no technology, not even AI, can predict who will reach a moment of crisis. That’s why we focus upstream: building joy, camaraderie, and purpose through community, so Veterans feel supported and connected long before isolation, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide take hold.
Instead of only measuring loss, we are committed to focusing on life and sending a message of hope. When one Veteran is supported, connected, and given hope, we are also protecting the 135 people around them from the ripple of suicide.
Through #135Alive, Guitars for Vets is raising awareness, building community, and using the healing power of music to bring hope where it’s needed most. Together, we can stop the ripple and move toward healing.