The first of each month is recognized across The American Legion as Be The One Day, a time to focus on its primary mission of reducing veteran suicide and reminding communities that it is OK to not be OK. While this day helps spotlight the issue, the message behind Be The One matters every day of the year.
What Be The One Means
Be The One is The American Legion’s nationwide mission to reduce veteran suicide by ending the stigma around mental health care. At its core, the effort encourages people to ask veterans how they are really doing, to listen without judgment, and to take action when someone is struggling. Too often, veterans feel pressure to handle problems on their own. That silence can be deadly.
Many veterans and families still hesitate to talk about mental health or ask for help. Some worry about being judged. Others simply do not know how to start the conversation. Be The One exists to change that culture by making support, awareness, and action part of everyday life.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
One of the most important parts of Be The One is learning how to recognize when someone may be at risk. Warning signs are not always obvious. They can include nonverbal behaviors such as putting personal affairs in order, engaging in self-destructive actions, or talking about leaving without clear plans to return. Verbal cues also matter. Statements like “I’m tired,” “It would be better if I weren’t here,” or “No one would miss me” should never be ignored.
Listening is just as important as noticing signs. Being present, allowing someone to talk openly, and responding with care can help a veteran feel seen and supported during a critical moment.
Tools and Training That Save Lives
The American Legion offers practical tools to help people take action. One is the Be The One app, available through Apple and Google. Developed with Columbia University, the app uses the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. It walks users through a simple series of questions that anyone can use to assess risk and take the next step toward help.
Free Be The One training is also available through The American Legion and the Columbia University Lighthouse Project. The 90-minute Zoom session provides a clear framework for identifying suicidal thoughts and behaviors and shows participants how to ask the right questions with confidence. Wallet-sized cards and printable resources are also available to help guide conversations in real time.
In addition to Be The One training, many Legion Family members and community partners also take part in QPR training. QPR stands for question, persuade, and refer. Offered through the QPR Institute, this training can be completed online or virtually and focuses on recognizing the warning signs of a suicide crisis. Those who complete QPR training learn how to ask someone about suicidal thoughts, encourage them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources. The goal is to equip everyday people to act as gatekeepers who can help prevent suicide before a crisis escalates.
Another valuable option is the Department of Veterans Affairs S.A.V.E. training. This free course is available online and in person and is designed specifically to help support veterans who may be at risk. S.A.V.E. is an easy-to-remember framework that stands for signs that indicate a veteran might be thinking about suicide, ask the most important question directly, validate the veteran’s experience, and encourage treatment while helping expedite access to care. Together, these tools and trainings reinforce a simple but powerful message: with the right knowledge and willingness to act, anyone can Be The One who helps save a life.
A Mission for the Entire Legion Family
Be The One is the top priority of The American Legion and involves every level of the organization. Posts, units, and squadrons can support the mission through Buddy Checks, community events, and training sessions. Activities such as car shows, fundraising rides, and tournaments can easily incorporate Be The One messaging. Larger posts may host symposiums, while smaller or rural posts may focus on personal outreach.
The American Legion has designated the first day of each month as Be The One Day through resolution, but the need to prevent veteran suicide goes beyond any single date. Estimates show that as many as 18 to 22 veterans are lost to suicide each day. The Legion believes one is too many.
Anyone can Be The One. By listening, learning, and acting, every person has the power to help save a life. Learn more, access resources, and sign up for training at betheone.org.
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