Honoring Veterans Every Day: The True Spirit of Veterans Day
Every year on November 11, Americans come together to honor and recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our veterans. Veterans Day is more than just a single day of commemoration; it’s a reminder of the bravery shown by those who have served and the lasting debt we owe to them and their families. Veterans don’t serve for accolades, but the least we can do is acknowledge their contributions to our freedom every day, and never allow their needs to be overlooked. To truly honor our veterans, it’s essential to consider their well-being year-round, whether they are adjusting to civilian life, facing the challenges of PTS, or struggling with the profound effects of service on both body and mind. Supporting and caring for our veterans shouldn’t just be something we do once a year—it should be part of the fabric of our national character, woven into our lives and communities daily.
Aiming for Zero: Our Mission to Serve Those Who Served Us
As we pause to celebrate Veterans Day and reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members, it is essential to recognize a heartbreaking statistic that cannot be ignored. Every day, a staggering number of veterans take their own lives, translating to over 8,000 lost each year. This crisis looms large, reminding us of the hidden battles many veterans face long after they return home. To all our veterans and active service members, we owe not only our gratitude but a commitment to helping them in every way possible. For the past ten years, Aiming for Zero has been dedicated to this cause, working to prevent veteran suicide and build supportive communities to serve those who served us.
The Mission of Aiming for Zero
Aiming for Zero is a mission-driven initiative to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention. It channels the energy, support, and camaraderie of competitive shooting communities and patriotic citizens into life-saving action. Aiming for Zero provides a platform where individuals, teams, and clubs can organize fundraising events, matches, and community engagements that encourage solidarity while funding vital mental health and support services for veterans and their families.
The idea is simple but powerful: mobilize communities across the nation in a united effort to shift that daily tally of suicides down to zero. And while it’s a staggering goal, the dedication and passion of everyone involved in Aiming for Zero have shown us what is possible when we rally together.

The Legacy of Justin Fitch and the Spirit of Service

The origins of Aiming for Zero can be traced to Maj. Justin M. Fitch, an Army veteran and cancer warrior, whose life was tragically cut short but whose impact lives on. A two-tour combat veteran in Iraq, Justin’s life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the value of purpose. While facing his own struggle with terminal cancer, Justin dedicated his remaining days to the fight against veteran suicide. He saw it as his “final mission,” using his voice and his story to amplify the issue and rally others to join the cause.
In one of his last few years, Justin met and spoke with Chris Tessier at a competitive shooting match, sharing a simple yet haunting fact: “Every day, 22 veterans commit suicide—that’s more than the number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.” That statement inspired Chris and sparked a movement within the shooting sports community. From fundraisers to bake sales, matches, and more, the competitive shooting community rallied, raising tens of thousands of dollars to support veterans in need and to fund suicide prevention efforts.
Justin’s story reminds us that the mission doesn’t end with his passing. As he once said, “Seeking help made me a stronger person.” It is through this strength that we can continue his legacy, building a brighter path for all veterans.
A Decade of Service and Support
Now, Aiming for Zero has been serving veterans and their families for ten years, helping those who have served to find strength, community, and hope. With the support of countless volunteers, donors, and partners across the country, Aiming for Zero has organized many events and raised critical funds to support veterans’ mental health and family well-being. The efforts span large national events and smaller, community-led matches—each contribution a part of a greater effort to shift that number down toward zero suicides.
As we look back over the last decade, Aiming for Zero celebrates the resilience of the veterans it serves and the community that has come together to support this cause. We have seen first-hand that a small act of kindness—a conversation, a shared activity, a donation—can make all the difference. It’s in these moments of camaraderie that veterans and supporters alike find strength and purpose.
How You Can Support the Mission
As we commemorate Veterans Day, we ask you to join Aiming for Zero in making a difference. Here’s how you can help:
Host or Attend an Event:
Get involved by attending an Aiming for Zero event or by hosting one in your community. Whether it’s a competitive match, a bake sale, or a ruck march, every event matters and makes a difference.
Raise Awareness:
Spread the word about veteran suicide and mental health support. Share Justin Fitch’s story, the 22-a-day statistic, and how Aiming for Zero is working to make an impact. Awareness is a powerful first step.
Donate:
Every dollar raised by Aiming for Zero goes directly to services that support veterans’ mental health, family support, and PTS recovery. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels the mission to make zero a reality.
Support Veterans and Their Families
This mission isn’t just about those who wore the uniform. The families of our service members also bear a heavy burden, often providing essential emotional and logistical support. Honor their sacrifices by supporting them through community involvement and by offering your help wherever you can.
Moving Forward Together
The fight to end veteran suicide requires all of us, and Aiming for Zero is committed to that mission as long as it takes. This Veterans Day, remember the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform, and consider how you can support them in their battle for peace and healing at home. Together, with unwavering commitment, we can bring hope to those who feel alone and light to those who face darkness.