ORLANDO, FL, July 16, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Entrepreneur, technology leader, and veteran mental health advocate Marty Brickey has released a free resource designed to help individuals take simple, practical steps to support veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma.
The "Veteran Support Conversation Checklist" is a free, easy-to-use guide that helps family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members recognize warning signs, prepare supportive conversations, and connect veterans with appropriate resources when needed.
Brickey, whose current work focuses on using technology to improve support for veterans, says the checklist reflects a philosophy he has followed throughout his career: solve real problems with practical solutions.
"I've always believed the best opportunities are the ones people overlook," says Brickey. "The same is true with helping people. Sometimes the biggest difference comes from noticing someone who might otherwise be overlooked."
Rather than creating a complicated program, Brickey intentionally designed a resource that anyone can use.
"I start by identifying a real problem, then build the simplest solution that proves the idea works," he says. "You don't have to solve every problem today. You just have to take the first step."
The checklist also reflects Brickey's belief that technology and innovation should always serve people.
"If you build something, it should make someone's life better," he says. "Otherwise you're just adding more noise."
He hopes the resource encourages more people to feel comfortable reaching out.
"I've learned that leadership is often about asking better questions," Brickey adds. "Sometimes asking one thoughtful question can change someone's day—or even save a life."
Why This Resource Matters
Mental health challenges among veterans remain a significant public health issue.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States.
The VA estimates that 11% to 20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD in a given year.
Research indicates that many veterans wait months or even years before seeking mental health treatment, often because of stigma or concerns about how others will perceive them.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that untreated mental health conditions can affect employment, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life, creating long-term personal and family impacts.
Brickey believes these numbers show why everyday conversations matter.
"Professional care is essential," he says. "But family, friends, and coworkers are often the first people to notice when something isn't right."
Use This in 15 Minutes
The Veteran Support Conversation Checklist is designed to be completed in about fifteen minutes.
In that time, readers can:
Learn several common signs that someone may be struggling.
Review simple conversation starters that encourage open discussion.
Identify local and national support resources before they're needed.
Create a personal plan for checking in with veterans they know.
Commit to one follow-up action within the next week.
The guide is designed to be practical rather than overwhelming, making it easy for anyone to use regardless of previous experience.
Common Mistakes People Make
Brickey also highlights several common mistakes that can unintentionally prevent meaningful support:
Waiting until someone asks for help before reaching out.
Assuming veterans always want to discuss their military service.
Trying to solve every problem instead of listening first.
Avoiding difficult conversations out of fear of saying the wrong thing.
Forgetting that small, consistent check-ins often matter more than one big conversation.
"People often think they need perfect words," Brickey says. "Most of the time, simply showing up and listening is far more important."
Call to Action
Marty Brickey encourages everyone to download the free Veteran Support Conversation Checklist, spend 15 minutes working through it, and use it to check in with at least one veteran, service member, or military family member this week. Share the checklist with friends, family, coworkers, and community groups to help create more informed, supportive conversations and encourage others to take the same first step.
Marty Brickey is a U.S.-based entrepreneur, investor, and technology leader. He has founded and led companies across educational publishing, gaming, and software, including Layne Morgan Media and Flyover Entertainment. Today, he focuses on technology innovation and initiatives that support veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma, with the goal of making practical tools and resources more accessible to those who need them.
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