Home

DISCLAIMER: This web site is not monitored 24/7. If you are in crisis or suicidal, please call the suicide hotline listed below (right), 911 in the United States, or go to your nearest emergency room. Please read more on this site's confidentiality and exemption of liability here.

On a smartphone? Click an image to dial the number.

Utmost gratitude to the Patton family for touching all of us today with their incredibly heartfelt story about their son who committed suicide 2 years ago. Your efforts to raise suicide awareness to protect Soldiers from committing this irreversible tragedy is appreciated. Thank you for your time!
— Charlie Company, 82ND BSB, 3rd BCT, 82nd ABN DIV

It was very powerful message. I think it reached a lot of people's hearts and will remind them to keep an eye out for their friends. Thank you.
—Soldier from Fort Bragg

Great presentation and message today. Very grateful to have been able to be there for it.
— Soldier from Fort Bragg

I am more than 100% sure that she will save lives.
— Soldier from Fort Bragg

I like the website because the information is arranged in small sections and it is easy to understand. It helped me understand what I am feeling.
— From a Veteran

This is so awesome!!! He had such a big heart as well!!
— Soldier from Fort Hood

Real Stories from Active-Duty and Veteran Service Members and Families Like Yours

Active-Duty Service Member Story

Usually, MFP receives stories via the website that go through my email for editing to ensure anonymity. Recently, I received a call because the person in question wanted to tell me his story instead of writing it down. That is fine with me because I read through the stories anyway. This story involves a Soldier’s encounter with mental health professionals while active duty and the need for support as a Veteran. Read more.

This Soldier had problems seeking out mental health services because of stigma and problems with his leadership. Once he had the courage to seek out help, he felt the doctors didn't really care. Read more.

Veteran Service Member Story

A Veteran describes the negative consequences that can happen when a Service member leaves his or her branch of service unprepared because of inadequate preparation from his or her Service branch. Read more.

A Veteran talks about a therapy called Alpha Stim and how it is working, or not working, for him or her. Read more.

A Veteran, who decided he was ready for mental health care, specifically counseling, asked MPF for help finding a mental health center that would potentially do some sessions over the phone because he travels daily. This Veteran dislikes the VA and does not trust it, so MPF found something similar that fills his needs. He is now in counseling. Read more.

Military Family Story

Here is a tragic story that illustrates how mental health issues affect generations of family members. The person who submitted this story urges everyone to seek care to achieve mental health wellness. Read more.

Here is a story from a woman who is heart broken from losing the man she loved; a love that began years ago when she saw him across a diner and then bloomed when given a second chance when they met again years later. Their story ends tragically, like many these days, when he died as a result of what we now know as PTSD. He served in Vietnam where the symptoms were seen as they are today. He suffered especially from substance use, hypervigilance and a severe sleep disorder, but he didn’t have the current medical diagnosis of PTSD until it was too late. Like Veterans today, he endured bad and inappropriate care from the VA and he solved the problem the way too many Veterans do; he ended is his pain by putting a bullet through his head. Now, this woman suffers, as do many of us. Please read this poignant, heartbreaking story to understand we need action now. Our Veterans have been suffering far too long and suicide should never be an option. Read more.

One spouse explains how they were not properly educated about health care benefits prior to her husband's separation from the Army. Read more.

About Matthew Story

This is a story written by a friend of Matthews while he was active-duty. Thank you for writing in about our son. Read more.

Latest News

"A Soldier's Recommendation for MPF Mental Health Grant"

The Matthew Patton Foundation is preparing to submit a proposal for a $10,000 grant in the area of early intervention for mental health issues for at-risk populations. We needed three recommendations. One Soldier we helped wrote one for us and has given us permission to post it with all information about his identity including his telephone number in case you need to reach out to a Veteran. He recently did a live FB telecast about MPF and told everyone three stories on our website are his, although no one will ever figure out which are his because the website is anonymous. He gave out his number on the live FB telecast as well. Thank you, Kyle. The most important thing you said that may help us win this grant the most, is that the help we gave you and what you learned from us has helped you save two Veterans’ lives. I am so proud of you. So, what we are doing has started a ripple effect that is beginning to spread and continue to save lives. As President and CEO of MPF that piece of news made my day. We know for sure now that we have saved six lives around the country. Read Kyle’s story because it is riveting, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. Read more.

"MPF's Monthly Nonprofit Spotlight - June 13, 2016"

In our ongoing effort to help Service members, Veterans, and their Families find the resources they need to improve their quality of life and make the decision to live, here are the June 13^th nonprofit spotlights: National Veterans Foundation is an organization that serves the crisis and information needs of all Veterans and their Families. Specially trained Veterans provide crisis information and referral services for Veterans in need of medical treatment, substance abuse or PTSD Counseling, VA benefits advocacy, food, shelter, employment training, legal aid, or suicide intervention; Dare to Dream Ranch, Inc. is a holistic and alternative military retreat for Service members, Veterans and their Families. It transforms their lives by providing a variety of mind-body programs such as equine therapy, yoga, nutrition and health cooking, horticulture therapy, exercise, and much more; and Wounded Heroes Program of Maine, which is a program started by a mother whose son returned home from war as a wounded Veteran. This program supports Veterans by helping them pay rent, utilities, phone bills, heating fuel payments and more while waiting for disability claims. They also advocate and provide benefits guidance, so that our Veterans do not have to navigate complex systems on their own. Please read more about these great organizations and how you can help. Read more.

"MPF's Monthly Nonprofit Spotlight - May 13, 2016"

Since November 2015, MPF has spotlighted nonprofits to ensure our Service members, Veterans, and their Family members know about the numerous resources available to help them. Today is the third year anniversary date of our son’s suicide, so this month, and every May, we will focus on nonprofits that help survivors, none of which discriminate according to manner of death. TAPS is a national organization that offers multiple services for all Family members through multiple venues like chat rooms, support groups, camps and seminars, telephone services 24/7, education and advocacy, and matching survivors who have suffered similar losses for individual peer support. Honor and Remember is a national organization with state chapters whose goal is to provide survivors with flags that honor the sacrifices Families face after their loved ones die in service to their country. This organization has several national goals as well. Hero Stars gives unique Hero Star stones to Families of Fallen Service members, Veterans, First Responders, etc. who have lost their lives in service to their country. Please read more about these wonderful nonprofits and how you can help. Read more.

"MPF's Monthly Nonprofit Spotlight - April 13, 2016"

In our ongoing effort to fulfill our mission to work alongside other like-minded nonprofits that better the lives of our Service men and women, Veterans, and their Families, here are the April 13^th nonprofits we chose to spotlight. USA Cares provides assistance to post 9/11 Service members, Veterans, and their Families without expectation of repayment. They offer assistance programs for jobs, emergencies, the combat-injured, and housing and financing (grants). There is a 48-hour turnaround for the required applications that are carefully screened for eligibility, all of which receive written responses. Patriot Riders of America, RI is a local nonprofit organization that is part of the multistate group Patriot Riders of America. Locally and nationally, these groups strive to support, advocate, and raise awareness for Veterans through multiple avenues including community service, fundraising, flag lines, motorcycle flag escorts, parades, and Veterans outreach. The Military Friends Foundation offers grant programs, community events, referral services, and more for the MA National Guard, Reserves, and Families of the Fallen. Having already provided nearly $1 million in grants and services to Massachusetts families in need, it is now expanding services to those Service members who live in neighboring states. Read more.

"2016 Annual Letter to the MPF Community"

Our chairman of the board's annual letter of thanks to supporters of the Matthew Patton Foundation. Read more.

More News