Kaylee Simons
Elmore Autauga News
A new partnership bringing veteran suicide prevention resources into the Prattville area is centered around a mission that feels both deeply personal and urgently needed, helping more people survive the moments they never thought they would make it through.
Custom Tactics has officially joined S.A.F.E.R. Together, a statewide grassroots initiative focused on supporting military members, veterans, and first responders through peer support, suicide prevention resources, and voluntary temporary firearm storage during periods of crisis.
In a community like Prattville, where military service and first responder culture are deeply connected to many local families, advocates say the conversation surrounding veteran mental health is one that cannot be ignored. Behind every statistic is a real person. A husband. A daughter. A firefighter. A veteran people genuinely believed would still be here tomorrow.
The organization works alongside licensed firearm dealers and community partners across Alabama to provide voluntary, confidential, temporary storage options for firearms and ammunition during high-risk seasons of life. The initiative also connects veterans and first responders with peer support specialists and additional resources designed specifically for the mental health struggles that can come with military service, trauma exposure, and high-stress careers.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, firearms were used in 73.5% of veteran suicides nationwide and 86.4% of veteran suicides in Alabama. More than 6,400 veterans across the country died by firearm suicide in a single year.
Research referenced by S.A.F.E.R. Together, based on CDC findings, shows many suicide attempts happen during extremely short windows of crisis. Approximately 25% of individuals attempt suicide within five minutes of suicidal ideation, while nearly half attempt within ten minutes.
Mental health experts say those statistics help explain why creating even temporary barriers between a person in crisis and their preferred method of self-harm can save lives. In many cases, the most dangerous moments are impulsive, intense, and temporary. Sometimes surviving comes down to time. A few extra minutes. A difficult conversation. Someone noticing that a friend is struggling before it becomes too late.
For Chris Eudy the owner of Custom Tactics, joining the S.A.F.E.R. Together network came from both personal experience and a desire to support fellow veterans and first responders in the Prattville area.
“I decided to become a part of S.A.F.E.R Together because, as a veteran myself, I figured it was the least I can do,” Eudy said. “I understand all too well the ups and downs veterans go through and have seen firsthand what happens when they can’t get the help they need during hard times. Suicide is a huge problem in our community.”
He said bringing the program into Prattville felt like an opportunity to give back while helping connect veterans and first responders with resources before a crisis escalates.
“Being able to offer this program to veterans and first responders is my way of trying to give back to the community and help get help to those who need it,” Eudy said.
As someone who works closely within the firearm community, he said he hopes people understand programs like this are centered around support and connection long before a crisis ever happens.
“The biggest thing I hope is that people understand that programs like this are about connection and support before a crisis ever happens,” Eudy said. “Veterans and first responders typically carry heavy burdens and feel like they deal with things on their own. We train to work in teams, and this is a team effort. It doesn’t stop. Ever. Regardless of if you still serve or not.”
He said one of the most important messages he hopes veterans and first responders hear is that asking for help should never be viewed as weakness.
“In my opinion, it’s one of the strongest things you can do,” Eudy said. “Knowing there’s a problem and reaching out. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of the team member to the left or right of you.”
Those involved with the initiative hope the partnership encourages more open conversations surrounding veteran mental health, suicide prevention, and checking in on the people around us before a breaking point is reached.
Because sometimes prevention does not start inside a hospital. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a trusted support system, or simply giving someone enough time to make it through their worst moment alive.
Veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and family members experiencing emotional distress or crisis can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting the VA’s crisis support website for free and confidential 24/7 support.
