Irreverent Warriors, Branden Zeitler – Lewes

American Legion Post17 in Lewes will host Branden Zeitler, the local coordinator forIrreverent Warriors on Thursday, November 7 at 7:15pm. IrreverentWarriors brings together a community of veterans through therapeuticevents designed to combat one of the biggest challenges veterans face- isolation. Irreverent Warriors is known for collaborating withother veteran organizations to provide critical services such as jobplacement, housing, service dogs, training, and more.

Whether active duty, reserve, disabled, or retired, the mission may change – but veterans still stand together and have each other’s backs.

Branden Zeitler, a former E4 with eight years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve as a 25C Radio Operator Maintainer with the 203rd Transportation Detachment, is well aware of the challenges many veterans face when returning to civilian life. Although Branden never saw combat, he has been steadfastly by the side of those who did, offering support and understanding.

“I believe our brothers and sisters who fought for freedom and love for our country deal with
demons that many cannot imagine,” Zeitler shares. “No matter what era of combat someone has
served in, the battle often remains fresh in their mind every day. When we come together, have
those hard conversations, and support each other, we build the compassion and understanding
veterans need. Events like these hikes show that our fellow warriors are not alone, and they are
not forgotten.”

Through humor and camaraderie, Irreverent Warriors creates a unique and supportive
environment to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. Zeitler emphasizes that IW’s
mission is a direct response to the alarming statistics:

• Veterans are at 72% higher risk of suicide than those who have not served.  
• Female veterans face nearly double the suicide rate of non-veteran women. 
• The suicide rate for veterans aged 35-54 has increased by 10.7%. 
• Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 veterans.

In 2021, over 50% of veteran suicides occurred outside of the Veterans Health Administration
(VHA) system. Recognizing the need for widespread intervention, the American Legion is
leading the “Be the One” campaign, aiming to eliminate the stigma around mental health
treatment and empoer veterans, their families, and civilians to act when they recognize a veteran
in crisis.

The time to act is now. Join us at Post 17 on November 7th to learn how you can make a
difference in a veteran’s life. You may be the one who saves a life by simply showing up,
listening, and caring.

For more information about the event, please contact:
Michele Williams
American Legion Post 17
Email: michele@micheleawilliams.com

.