Outgoing Program Coordinator Tony Cross shares the impact of the Legion’s veteran suicide prevention program over the past six months.
American Legion Be the One Program Coordinator Tony Cross is retiring this month after taking lead on the program in 2023. But before leaving, he shared the impact Be the One has made, through both its virtual training program and at the department level.
Cross, who was medically retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after more than 19 years of service, previously served as an American Legion veterans disability claims specialist and then team lead for the John H. Geiger Operations Center-based Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation service office.
“As I’ve traveled to the different departments, it’s been very enlightening and satisfying to observe the ground we have made over the last several months,” Cross said. “More and more of our Legion Family members are starting to understand the gravity of this incredible cause.”
Cross said that throughout his various visits to American Legion departments, conferences and national meetings, he has had 450 members of the American Legion Family share with him that they’ve attempted suicide in the past. He’s also received hundreds of phone calls outside of normal work hours from veterans in crisis – 18 of which has he has referred to the Veterans Crisis Line.
Through his encounters, Cross has been able to connect 75 veterans with disability claims and pension assistance. Since February, 25 gatekeepers have been trained in the QPR (question, persuade, refer) suicide prevention program.
And he proudly noted that 20,000 Legion Family members have been trained via the Be the One Columbia Training Protocol (find an upcoming virtual session here).
“It’s gratifying to see more and more departments are starting to lead the charge because they see the need and how it can positively impact the organization,” said Cross.
- Be the One