Shouts and cheers filled American Legion Post 143 on Saturday as Navy edged Army, 17-16. 

But while the game’s outcome brought joy to some and disappointment to others in the crowd of about 200, something far more important was at stake. 

Post Commander Tim Shaw said it was the launch of the “Be The One” initiative in Post Falls to focus on veteran mental health. Its mission is to reduce the number of veterans and service members lost to suicide. 

Shaw said 7,000 American soldiers have died in battle since 2001, while 140,000 have committed suicide over that same stretch. 

“We're trying to do something about it,” he said. 

According to the American Legion, the No. 1 issue facing the veteran community is suicide. 

"We're actively working on lessening the stigma associated with mental health treatment and empowering everyone to take appropriate action when a veteran or service member may be at risk — one life at a time," the American Legion website said. "Whether you're a veteran or the friend or family member of a veteran, you can Be The One."

Part of that process is “Buddy Checks,” when trainees, “Judge Advocates,” check in with veterans, touch bases and see how they’re doing. They've learned how to recognize signs of depression and loneliness and prevent military suicide. 

For some, the transition to civilian life from military life can be jarring. They have faced traumatic situations, perhaps faced enemy fire or witnessed the death of a fellow military member. 

“We want to get to a point where nobody feels alone; nobody feels hopeless,” Shaw said. 

Idaho is home to more than 100,000 veterans.

“One minute they’re 19 years old driving a $2 million piece of equipment and they come here and they can’t get a job selling hamburgers,” he said. “It’s a very traumatic transformation for a lot of guys. We're trying to help with that.” 

Veteran “Davy” Crockett manned the Be The One booth at the post during the Army-Navy game. He served 22 years in the military and was proudly wearing his Navy blazer Saturday. 

He said programs like Be The One save lives. 

“I probably wouldn’t be here today if it wasn't for something like this,” he said. “I finally found God and that was it. He carried me through.” 

Crockett said the change from military to civilian life is more difficult than most may think. Having people around who understand helps with making the adjustments. Post 143 is such a place.

“This has been my go-to place,” he said. “The people here are what make it what it is.” 

Veteran Vic Parrish is a Judge Advocate with Be The One. He said veteran suicide is a “horrible problem.” 

“Suicide is a problem in society but in the military, it is horrible,” he said. 

According to the Veterans Administration, about 20 veterans commit suicide each day,  

“That’s got to stop,” Parrish said. "What we’re doing is not adequate.” 

His military career was more than 40 years ago, and he said military suicide was an issue then just as it is now. He said family members who served in the military committed suicide. 

“The veterans don’t get the support they need after the trauma they faced,” he said. “What they do is something that is hard to cope with, especially when you feel helpless and there’s nobody there to support you.” 

The goal of Be The One is to train 100,000 people nationwide in suicide prevention by year's end.

“We're going do whatever it takes to change that trajectory,” Parrish said. “We have to do something."

To connect with the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1. Vic Parrish can be reached at 509-539-1847.

For training info: www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one

    Veteran "Davy" Crockett mans the Be The One booth at the Post Falls American Legion Post 143 on Saturday.