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Today is Veterans Day, and the Good Good Good offices are closed in commemoration of the holiday. We’re dedicating this Goodnewsletter to all things good veteran news: good being done by veterans and for veterans.

Mental Health

A pilot program is helping reduce Colorado’s above-average veteran suicide rate

More than 369,000 veterans live in Colorado, and in 2022 — the most recent data available — 178 of them died by suicide, significantly higher than the national veteran suicide rate and the overall rate for both the state and the country.

To combat those devastating numbers, in 2021 Colorado passed legislation investing $1.6 million in a pilot program called Next Chapter, which pairs veterans with mentors so they have a constant support system, and “know who to call” when they’re struggling. It’s also staffed entirely by veterans, helping clients feel seen and understood.

Initially setting out to connect with 700 veterans, the program has already served over 1,200. A June 2025 report found that more than 80% of participants reported a drop in their thoughts of self-harm and suicide, and of those who had reported prior suicide attempts, the majority had decreased those attempts.

Why is this good news? The VA provides mental health care and resources at eight locations across the state, but the wait time for a new patient seeking services at three Colorado Springs-area clinics in September this year was a minimum of 32 days. Next Chapter gives those same people care within nine days — a potentially life-saving difference.

→ Read more​

More Good News

​The Missing in America Project has provided thousands of dignified burials for “unclaimed” veterans. The project combs through lists of unclaimed remains at funeral homes and morgues, and then spends years verifying the veteran status of those they suspect might have served in the military. When a veteran is found, volunteers begin the search for family.

​Together with a nonprofit, a retired veteran is building free ramps for his senior and disabled neighbors. Before Pete Adler enlisted in the Army, he majored in architecture. Now, after spending 25 years in equipment maintenance and supply, and another 17 years as a civilian employee, Adler is back to his architectural roots — for a good cause.

​A woman- and veteran-run business is turning shipping containers into bespoke homes for homeless veterans. Mākhers Studio creates custom units, veteran housing, classrooms, and modular health clinics out of shipping containers acquired from localized supply chains, ultimately recycling about four tons of steel and producing an estimated 50% less landfill waste in installation.

​Women veterans are receiving more benefits and care from the VA than ever before. Progress is attributed to legislative measures and ongoing initiatives such as the PACT Act and the new Women's Health Research Collaborative.

​The Green Bay Packers gave a $250k grant to help build the state’s first housing project for homeless veterans. The Green Bay Packers Give Back outreach program had an impact of over $13 million in 2023, and so far this year, the team is making strides in supporting a special cause: Homelessness among veterans.

​A nonprofit provides professional clothes to veterans so they can re-enter the workforce with confidence. While federal law requires government agencies to establish employment assistance centers, veterans are still left behind when it comes to acquiring new job skills, building confidence, and starting a new life mission.

​A nonprofit connects military members with volunteers to care for their pets while they’re on deployment. Dogs on Deployment also provides financial assistance for military pet owners, promotes responsible, life-long pet ownership, and keeps beloved animals out of shelters while their owners are away.

​Combat diving veterans are using their skills to protect and restore ocean health. Faced with needing a new mission, Force Blue connects the specialized skills of these veterans with the world of coral reef conservation for the betterment of both.

From a veteran

I’m a veteran. Here’s what to say instead of thanking me for my service.

→ Read more​

be the good

How to thoughtfully honor veterans on Veterans Day

Celebrated annually on November 11th, Veterans Day has become a day of recognition, respect, and gratitude for those who have and continue to risk their lives in pursuit of the protection and safety of others.

Upon leaving military service, veterans experience mental health and other health struggles, face homelessness, and more, and often lack the support they desperately need.

Veterans Day should not be the only day we honor veterans. It should be a jumping-off point for us to continue to fight and advocate for these folks at home — 365 days of the year.

​Here are some ways we can do that, starting today…

1. Express your gratitude — but go beyond saying ‘thank you’, too
2. ​Support veteran organizations working to make life better and purpose-filled for veterans
3. Read about incredible things veterans are doing (and good things being done for veterans)
4. ​Ask your elected officials to back legislation that protects and supports veterans

→ More ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day​

More Good bits

🎸 “Forrest Gump” star is helping veterans heal through art.

💸 If you donate money to help veterans, choose a good one.

❤️‍🩹 Sometimes all a veteran needs is someone who gets it.

👏 One veteran has a gun violence prevention idea: do what the military does.