Resources
The Suicide Prevention Center:
Veterans Crisis Line:
Call 988 then press 1
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). When prompted, press '1' to be connected to a VA call center. This hotline also provides a confidential chat option for veterans on VeteransCrisisLine.net
National Veterans Foundation:
Call 1-888-777-4443 or visit the NVF.org. The National Veterans Foundation's mission is to offer crisis management, information referrals, and outreach for veterans in need
VA's Homelessness Hotline:
Call 1-877-424-3838 if you are currently experiencing homelessness or are on the verge of homelessness
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
Call 1-800-622-4357 for free, confidential information on where to find mental health and substance abuse resources. You can also search for mental health treatment centers on SAMHSA.gov
It's Up to Us:
Call 1-888-724-7240 or visit Up2SD.org for an informational access line for veterans in need of mental health resources
VA Research Currents:
Read Mike Richman’s article on the benefits of sailing as a recreational therapy
NPR Morning Edition:
Quick listen to KPBS' Steve Walsh's report on the mental health struggles veterans face and the lack of support they receive from the military
The Soldiers Project:
This program helps soldiers and veterans by providing free, 100% confidential psychological treatment. So far, the program has locations in Chicago, Houston, Long Island, New York City, Sacramento, Southern California, Pennsylvania, Washington State, and Wyoming. Find local contact information on TheSoldierProject.org
Book Reviews
“A revealing, sometimes gut-wrenching war memoir that examines virtually every aspect of his tour of duty." —Marc Leepson, Arts Editor and Senior Writer, The VVA Veteran magazine
In 1969, Darren Walton, at the tender age of nineteen, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, trading life in idyllic Marin County in California for the chaos of a raging jungle war in Southeast Asia. In no time, he got pressed into service as a member of a Marine reconnaissance unit operating near Da Nang, Vietnam.
There were a few times when he basked in the breathtaking beauty of the triple canopy jungle, the contoured glistening mountain ridges, and the luscious green valleys. But there were many, many other times when he and his fellow Marines labored under the terror of the worst the jungle had to offer: torrential monsoons, torturous humidity, rapacious insects, and enemy-placed punji traps springing from hell below.
Darren survived thanks to the unconditional loyalty and courage of his fellow Marines, men who risked their own lives to save his, men who demonstrated uncommon courage in the most desperate of circumstances. No questions asked. No conditions imposed. No social barriers erected. Semper Fidelis.
Di Di Mau is Darren’s unabashed personal account of warfare, survival, and brotherhood—and the enduring reflections that followed. It is unlike any book about the Vietnam War.
We highly recommend award-winning author Ben Duelley’s book, “God Was Always Speaking, I Just Wasn’t Listening; A Veteran’s Journey From Suppression To Salvation”
It’s powerful and authentic read, this book resonated with me as Ben is a fellow Naval Academy graduate. While entertaining—with Ben’s wry humor and gripping tales from naval aviation—the heart of the book is his spiritual journey. Ben masterfully blends stories from combat with honest reflections on faith, forgiveness, and transformation.
What sets this book apart is the way biblical teaching is woven with real-life struggles and redemption. Ben’s shift from skepticism to faith, his candid account of seeking God, and the practical lessons on prayer, listening, and service make ancient spiritual truths feel fresh and relevant.
The call is clear: resist the world’s patterns, find courage to follow Jesus, and use your life and skills to serve others. Verses like Isaiah 58:10 and Proverbs 22:6 ground the message in compassion, parenting, and purposeful living. Ben’s personal journey—overcoming anxiety and despair—offers hope, assuring readers that God listens, speaks, and can change lives.
If you’re looking for an honest, hope-filled roadmap from spiritual death to life, this testimony is challenging, practical, and ultimately uplifting.