Marty Brickey Releases Free Veteran Support Conversation Checklist

Marty Brickey, a technology leader and veteran mental health advocate, has released a free resource called the "Veteran Support Conversation Checklist" to help family members, friends, coworkers, and community members recognize warning signs of PTSD, anxiety, and trauma, prepare supportive conversations, and connect veterans with appropriate resources. The checklist is designed to be completed in about 15 minutes and provides guidance on common signs of struggle, conversation starters, local and national resources, and a personal plan for follow-up actions.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States, and between 11% and 20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD in a given year. Brickey emphasizes that while professional care is essential, everyday conversations can make a significant difference. "Family, friends, and coworkers are often the first people to notice when something isn't right," he said.

The checklist also highlights common mistakes people make when trying to support veterans, such as waiting for them to ask for help, assuming they always want to discuss their service, trying to solve every problem instead of listening, and avoiding difficult conversations out of fear. Brickey encourages simple, consistent check-ins rather than one big conversation. "Most of the time, simply showing up and listening is far more important," he noted.

Brickey, who has founded companies like Layne Morgan Media and Flyover Entertainment, now focuses on technology innovation and initiatives to support veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. He believes in solving real problems with practical solutions. "You don't have to solve every problem today. You just have to take the first step," he said. The checklist is available for free download, and Brickey encourages users to spend 15 minutes working through it and then check in with at least one veteran, service member, or military family member this week.

For more information, visit Marty Brickey's website.