How do Veterans help other Veterans prevent suicidal tendencies?

As I began my journey from SM to V, I began to focus more keenly on the issues Veterans face. While in the military, I felt invincible, not because I was, but because of the safety net of programs and support from my fellow Soldiers. Now that I am out here in the great big world, I began to have questions:
Am I all alone?
Is everything I did in the military for nothing?
Are the injuries (mental and physical) going to be taken care of by the VA because our country values my sacrifice?
Will I ever do anything, now that I am a civilian, that means anything?
Will I ever have friends like the ones I had in the military?
Will I struggle to find job security and steadily provide for my family like I did when I served?

These questions were the beginning of an avalanche of questions that came pouring down over me. And I wanted to hide at first. I wanted to go hike the Appalachian Trail and forget about the questions I didn't have answers to.

Then I started to reach out. I remembered that, back in 2003, when I decided to deploy with my unit instead of staying on Rear-Detachment to wait for my OCS start date, and my fourth child was born without me there, I felt this same heavy weight. Like, maybe I made a really bad decision. One that couldn't be rectified. One that was so painful, that I wasn't sure I could bear it. It was the onset of depression. But, just like in 2003, I reached out. I had a support system that didn't just give lip service to "If you ever need anything..." and they lifted me up. They pulled me through and wouldn't let me quit.

So, where was I going to find that here, in Greenville, SC, where I don't know anyone. At the VFW? Maybe... I tried. The connection just wasn't there. MOAA? Great organization, but, still not the right group. Maybe some counseling at the VA? Well, we won't go there.

So, what....was...I...going...to....DO? The thought of walking in the door of some Non-profit organization seemed almost as if I was a headcase. A number. Even if they were the best at what they did and they were able to relate, there was still a 'client-patient' feel. They weren't my buddies, who I could laugh and cry with.

So.... I started thinking, maybe there are other Veterans out there like me. Lacking purpose. Feeling alone. Needing the camaraderie and advice that can only come from someone that...well...just knows. And the Upstate Veteran Business Network was birthed.

So, why a "Business Network"? Well, in a society of networks that connect people that have something in common, or speed networking, or "Pay hundreds of dollars to use our system" networks, I wanted to create something different. Business relationships are important and can be leveraged to do more than just help people find a job or land a sale. They can help people realize their purpose. They can be an important part of who you are. This type of network (probably) wouldn't work with civilians. The idea that we can be brothers/sisters and work together in a team isn't as deeply implanted in them as it is in us. We have unique experiences that allow us to put together the core of this network that will, without a doubt, change lives by connecting them to a network that deeply cares about their personal and professional success and helps them find their purpose again.

What are your thoughts on ways to stop Veterans Suicide? I would love to hear them.