In this deeply moving episode of VET’ed., host Jen M. Wagman sits down with Kristen Christy, a "product of the Air Force" and the visionary co-creator of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This conversation transcends policy and numbers; it is a raw, heartfelt journey through the superpower of community, the devastating impact of loss, and the "3:00 AM idea" that changed mental health care in America forever.

Kristen shares the story of her husband, an Air Force leader who tragically took his own life just days before being promoted to Colonel. From the depths of that grief and her own son's subsequent struggles, Kristen found the strength to ask a simple, world-changing question: "Why don't we have a three-digit number for mental health emergencies?". This episode is a powerful reminder that our identity is not found in our rank or our uniform, but in our character and our capacity to hope.

For more information about the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial or text 988

To learn more about GenVETS, visit https://genvets.org.

To leave comments, suggestions, or ask questions regarding VET’ed. with Jen M. Wagman, email VETed@genvets.org.

🔔 Available wherever you get your podcasts!

👍 Subscribe, Like & Follow @VETedPodcast for more episodes that inform and empower Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families.

#988Lifeline #Veterans #MentalHealth #VetEdPodcast #MilitaryFamilies #Resilience #HopeIsNotCancelled #SuicidePrevention #AirForceFamily #VeteranSupport