According to a 2012 Veterans Administration report, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide each day. This number includes veterans who are no longer serving, as well as those currently serving on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves.

While serving, military members learn discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills. They train for important missions to defend our country. They fulfill their duty by obeying orders. They develop a tight-knit camaraderie. They thrive in an environment where rules are clear and their purpose is honorable. Yet, it’s likely they experienced difficult and traumatic events such as military combat, natural disasters, and physical assault.

Society often fails to understand the things that are important to veterans which makes it difficult for veterans to relate to people around them. They may have a hard time getting into a new rhythm.

Restore 22 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a relaxing, informal environment for military veterans to connect with each other and with resources that can enhance their quality of life. We also welcome civilians who want to support and connect with America’s service members.

Our goals are to:

• Reduce the number of veteran suicides per day by fostering an environment that gives veterans the opportunity to talk about their experiences,
• Strengthen the veteran community by helping veterans regain the camaraderie they enjoyed while serving,
• Assist all veterans in managing their unique challenges by providing referrals for obtaining Veterans Administration benefits, mental health counseling, financial counseling, financial aid, spiritual counseling and more, and
• Bridge the gap between civilian perceptions and military realities by welcoming the general public to patronize the coffee shop and interact with veterans.