When Army Ranger Maj. Chris Mercado spoke with his former combat buddy in 2014, he discovered that his friend, a veteran with a distinguished service record, was suffering from the post-service trauma and mental anguish that plagues so many of our nation’s veterans and active-duty military personnel — his friend was contemplating self-harm. A long, caring conversation saved his friend’s life and inspired a project that now has the capacity to save many others.
Together with several friends, Chris and Betsey Mercado have created Objective Zero, a mobile app aimed at preventing military and veteran suicides by making a network of supportive professionals and volunteers available at the touch of a button. Today the network includes trained “ambassadors” in all 50 states and 26 countries, and lives are being saved. Visit www.objectivezero.org to learn more.
Objective Zero has been so innovative, and so effective, that it has been widely praised by the media. The Army Times named Chris “Soldier of the Year” in 2017, and Fast Company tapped him as one of the “Most Creative People in Business” in 2018.
Chris and Betsey reminded us that situations like the COVID-19 pandemic have only heightened the need for services like Objective Zero. While at-risk individuals shelter-in-place, their social interactions are often diminished, and their sense of belonging and connectedness can be undermined. Especially for veterans transitioning out of uniformed service, where they previously took part in something so self-evidently larger than themselves, the isolation and detachment caused by quarantine can be overwhelming. In fact, usage of the Objective Zero app has never been higher, including use by many former military doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who are on the front lines of the pandemic.
To learn more about Objective Zero and Chris’ and Betsey’s mission, visit www.objectivezero.org. You’ll find links to donate and to sign up for training as a suicide prevention “ambassador,” and you’ll find lots of additional media coverage.
Join TendingBar for this sobering, yet encouraging conversation with Chris and Betsey, as they demonstrate what can happen when creativity, vision, teamwork and drive combine to make a positive impact on society.
Key Interview Moments (minutes:seconds)
5:30 What is Objective Zero?
9:00 A personal success story of OZ counseling
10:17 Understanding the scope and severity of veteran and active-duty suicides
11:25 What prevents veterans from receiving the mental health services they need?
14:27 Understanding stress factors that veterans face / Impact of COVID-19
16:15 Prescriptions for society to help veterans in need
19:21 How can individuals get involved and help?
About the Mercados
Betsey Mercado is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Objective Zero, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of a vibrant 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Betsey holds a master’s degree in Human Services from Purdue. Leveraging her prior experience leading multiple Family Readiness Groups that support active duty units and their families, Betsey brings an especially valuable perspective to an organization designed to help veterans and active-duty service members in need.
Chris Mercado is a Major in the U.S. Army with more than 20 years of military service. Chris is “XO” (Executive Officer”) in the Combined Armed Center for Training at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He’s also a proud graduate of Georgetown’s Center for Security Studies in the School of Foreign Service, where he received a master’s degree as the recipient of the prestigious Downing Scholarship, awarded by the Army’s Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point. Chris previously deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the West Bank.
Note: COVID-19 and related economic stresses have increased demand for Objective Zero. Our interview occurred in late April, so you’ll hear Betsey mention that March (the latest stats then available) had witnessed the highest-ever demand for Objective Zero’s app and services. As of mid-August, Betsey reports that demand has only increased since then. She also reports that more volunteers have joined OZ’s support network. Visit objectivezero.org to find out how YOU can help.