Ketchum's Got Your Six / Ketchum's RIDE

06/21/2026

It’s not just a vest.

It’s a fluffy toolkit for independence.
One of the hardest things to explain is what life in public can feel like for a veteran living with hypervigilance- and how much a trained service dog can change that experience.

Two of the most important tasks service dogs are trained to perform for many veterans are Cover and Block.

Cover means the dog watches the veteran’s six while they focus on the task in front of them -whether that’s walking through a crowd, standing in line, using an ATM, or simply trying to stay present.

Block means the dog creates a physical buffer, giving the veteran space to breathe, think, and stay grounded when the world starts to feel too close.

These tasks don’t just make public spaces easier...
They can make them possible.

That’s the difference a Battle Buddy like Atlas the Wonderdog can make. ❤️

06/18/2026

Su***de is the second leading cause of death for Veterans under age 45.

We often hear the numbers. We hear reports, studies, statistics, and estimates.

What we don't hear enough about are the families who carry that loss every day.

The families navigating birthdays, holidays, milestones, and ordinary moments that will never feel quite the same.

Behind every statistic is a Veteran who mattered, and behind every Veteran is a family whose story continues.

No family should feel invisible.

💚 Green Star Families of America

***de

06/12/2026

People say we shouldn't talk about Veteran su***de.
- That it is uncomfortable.
- That it should remain private.
- That acknowledging it somehow gives it power.

But more than 140,000 Veterans have died by su***de since 2001 and behind every one of those losses is a family.

Silence does not erase the loss. It does not lessen the grief, and it doesn't help the families left behind. What silence often does is make those families feel alone.

At Green Star Families, we believe we can honor a Veteran's service, support su***de prevention, and acknowledge the families impacted by veteran su***de at the same time.

The conversation may be uncomfortable, but ignoring it has never been the answer.

***deAwareness

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Friday, we proudly recognize Governor Evers proclamation designating June 12 as Woman Veterans Day in Wisconsin.

Woman have served our nation and the great state of Wisconsin with dedication throughout every era of military service. This proclamation honors the contributions of Wisconsin’s woman veterans and acknowledges their impact on our communities and state.

Thank you to all woman veterans for you service!

06/04/2026

CALIFORNIA SAID YES.

With the passage of SCR 154 on May 29, 2026, California officially recognized the Green Star Service Banner.

Thank you to Senators Tom Umberg, Tony Strickland, Steven Choi, and Bob Archuleta, along with the California Legislature, for helping bring visibility and recognition to families impacted by Veteran su***de.

This recognition honors the memory of Veterans lost to su***de and acknowledges the families who carry their legacy forward every day.

Recognition matters.

No family should feel invisible.

***deAwareness

06/02/2026

June is PTS(D) Awareness Month.

While post-traumatic stress does not solely affect veterans, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to suffer the effects of PTS(D), with a documented 6% of male veterans and 13% of female veterans experiencing it in their lifetimes (though actual numbers may be substantially higher, as many of those who struggle with post-traumatic stress do not seek diagnosis or treatment). The number of veterans diagnosed with PTS(D) is higher among those who've served in recent conflicts (for example, up to 29% of Iraqi Freedom veterans) than those who served nearly a century ago (3% of WWII and Korean War veterans) but it is important to remember that what we now know as PTS(D) was known by a number of other names in the past: "Shell Shock," "Battle Fatigue," "Soldier's Heart," "Combat Stress Reaction" and even the misleading "Nostalgia."

“Asking for support is not waving a white flag, it is a tactical decision to stay in the fight for your family, your future and your life,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

As a VFW Auxiliary members, you can help by knowing the signs, memorizing the Veterans Crisis Line number and sharing resources with those in need. Use the linked articles below to get started.

The VFW is shining a spotlight on PTS(D) this June. Read their article here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-highlights-importance-of-mental-health-this-national-ptsd-awareness-month

The VA shares the basics of PTS(D), including signs:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

The VA also has linked resources for those who need help:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

For those having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or feelings of hopelessness, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
Just dial 988, then press 1.

For a brief history on the usage of PTSD versus older terms like shell shock, see this History Channel article:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock