As Veteran Suicide Rates Soars, This Former Green Beret Is Fighting Back

With the veteran suicide rate so high, there’s no shortage of speculations as to why. The national suicide rate among veterans is 50% higher than that of civilians.

According to Brown University's Costs of War Project, veterans who served in “The Global War on Terror” are four times more likely to die by their own hand than on the battlefield.

Unemployment, homelessness, addiction, mental and physical health problems have all plagued the veteran community and are circumstances that often lead to despair and frequently suicide.  

But one veterans’ group, the VALOR Clinic Foundation, is leading the way in suicide prevention with their “Veterans Unstoppable” program which focuses on “social reintegration, overcoming physical challenges, addressing exposures and emotional scars to reduce suicidal outcomes among veterans, first responders and their family members.” 

Former Green Beret, Founder, and CEO of the VALOR Clinic Foundation, Sergeant Major Mark Baylis, has taken it upon himself to assist veterans in their transition to civilian life.

Appearing on a recently aired episode of Boom America, SGM Baylis remarks, “I don't think there’s a person in this country that believes the reward for going to fight for your country is to come home and live under a bridge or stick a pistol in your ear.”

In 2012, with that thought in mind, SGM Baylis founded the VALOR Clinic in eastern Pennsylvania with the mission to improve the lives of our nation’s veterans and “to provide nationwide integrated medical care in the future.” 

When asked what the number one problem facing vets and veteran suicide was, Baylis' response was surprising.

Though the emotional scars of war and loss of identity round out the top three core problems vets face, the number one spot went to social conflict. SGM Baylis emphasized, 

“During military service, we are instilled with traditional values, patriotism, and an unshakable sense of morality. However, when amplified by combat trauma we develop the value system of a combat soldier: self-sacrifice, duty, courage, and zero tolerance for injustice."

"While vital for war, " he said,"this code can become a ‘curse’ in civilian life. We’re never taught that the rest of the world doesn’t adhere to the same code."

"This causes a profound disconnect and at the very least is problematic for many veterans. Our military experience expects service above self, ALWAYS."

"It causes many veterans to hold themselves to an ‘impossible standard’ and often prevents strong relationships with people from different cultural norms. This disconnect and the subsequent relationship strife often becomes the greatest instigator for veteran suicide and mirrors, according to the CDC, circumstances surrounding suicide data.”

Baylis' VALOR Clinic's Veterans Unstoppable program has achieved remarkable success, with SGM Baylis reporting zero suicides among all program participants.

Vets speak a common language and the program gives them a chance to share fellowship with like-minded individuals while being in the great outdoors. Fixing some rods for an upcoming fly fishing excursion at their retreat center in the Pocono Mountains Baylis remarked, “Nature, fellowship, and understanding are what vets need. It provides stability and ultimately comfort.”

Veterans and their families have paid a heavy price but now they have a true ally on the ground that understands the toll. VALOR extends a helping hand, that’s the mission Baylis said and  “as long as there are vets you can bet that VALOR will be there.” 

And he’s not lying. Since the Veterans Unstoppable program’s 2012 inception, there have been 2,172 participants.

Mark recently shared the foundation’s 2024 numbers and they tell an impressive story.  

477 retreat participants
1,700 peer-to-peer participants for counseling on veteran-to-veteran connection in preventing isolation and suicide.
50 service and companion dogs have been successfully placed, offering not just companionship but critical daily support to veterans in need.
And 374 individuals participated in recreational therapy programs, including outdoor excursions such as fishing, hunting and white water rafting. 
But these stats don’t tell the entire story because SGM Baylis never stops working, whether it's delivering food to VALOR’s food pantry, furniture to new homes and he’s always ready to educate vets, or anyone for that matter, with books that he’s constantly handing out. 

“One of the problems vets face, especially homeless vets, and a contributing factor in depression is diet,” stated Baylis. 

A couple years ago Baylis was diagnosed with the early stages of Hodgkin's Lyncoma. “I had 42 lung tumors—FOURTY TWO— and after 15 months I was clean,” Baylis recounted.

“I credit that outcome to a good diet and a health-conscious lifestyle—and now, I’m committed to sharing what I’ve learned with anyone willing to listen.” 

Reminders of healthy eating are everywhere. Mark had magnets of the do’s and dont’s of dieting placed in all of VALOR’s facilities.

At the VALOR retreat center and around their homeless transition home, Paul’s House, SGM Baylis installed raised garden beds and planted numerous fruit trees.

Baylis emphasized, “I don’t think people realize how much diet affects mood and stability. The combination of gardening and eating fresh produce you helped cultivate is very satisfying.” 

Call it timeless wisdom or a return to the traditional modes of life, Baylis’ focus on community, nature and healthy eating are paying off. With only a few brief hiccups, namely COVID, the VALOR Clinic has done nothing but grow, in volunteers, applicants, and locations. 

VALOR now operates in three states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Before heading to a retreat in New Jersey Baylis announced, “We’re currently working on a couple of massive projects and I hope, sooner than later, to be sharing some very big news so stay tuned.”

What’s clear is that SGM Baylis never quits. Though he’s no longer in uniform, Baylis has never abandoned the Special Forces motto: "De Oppresso Liber."