MAKE HERE MATTER

Suicide, a complex issue, affects Veterans from all backgrounds.  Many Veterans, like Travis, may not be connected to a veteran organization, highlighting the importance of understanding and utilizing community resources.  

The Armadillo Project was born out of a deeply personal journey, following the tragic loss of my son Travis to suicide. His return home after his Marine Corps service was fraught with challenges, and both he and I sought help. We encountered the stigma of suicide, a barrier that many face when seeking assistance. 

The Armadillo Project was conceived after his death as a resource I believe he and I would have benefited from while navigating the maze of questions, resources, and insurance forms. 

When Travis was home after his honorable discharge, we talked often.

In the final two weeks of his life, our conversations became more frequent. I would ask him about his well-being, and he would always reply, 'I am Here.' Despite my understanding of our situation, I failed to grasp the true weight of those words.

Our slogan, Make Here Matter, is a direct result of Travis's words as he tried to find a way out of his depression.

Make Here Matter Now is an umbrella of activities that create opportunities for people to spend time together, support our veterans, try something new, and make here matter.