The American Legion is challenging the whole INDYCAR community to Be the One to help end veteran suicide by enrolling in suicide prevention training. Chip Ganassi Racing is proud to set the example – the team will take Be the One training this September, learning strategies and taking a pledge to help end the alarming number of veteran suicides in the U.S.
Chip Ganassi Racing is commemorating this pledge by running two liveries carrying the Be the One message at World Wide Technology Raceway for this weekend’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500. The No. 8 American Legion Honda driven by Linus Lundqvist will run its classic “Legion Blue” scheme, joined by the No. 11 driven by Marcus Armstrong in a matching “Legion Red” colorway.
Notes of Interest:
* Team-wide Training: In 2024, The American Legion enhanced its already impactful Be the One initiative by offering training to anyone interested in being part of the solution in ending veteran suicide. Chip Ganassi Racing will take Be the One training next month. The training, led by mental health experts at Columbia University, gives all who enroll actionable tools and strategies to assess and help America’s veterans going through a mental health crisis. The free, 90-minute [CK1] [SB2] training is available through virtual sessions and some in-person settings for anyone that is interested. Find a schedule of sessions at legion.org/betheone/training.
* Still the No. 1 Issue Veterans Face: The American Legion, with the support of Chip Ganassi Racing, began the Be the One initiative to end veteran suicide in 2022 with a special livery for the Indianapolis 500 and then through the No. 10 American Legion Honda in 2023 beginning at the St. Petersburg, FL race. By all accounts it has been impactful, both by raising awareness and connecting with veterans who are suffering with mental health issues. Suicide continues to be the No. 1 issue veterans in the U.S. face annually. About 17 veterans take their own life every day in the U.S.
* Make A Difference Today: Before taking the training, The American Legion has three actions everyone can take right away to help save veterans:
* Ask a veteran or service member if they need help.
* Listen when a veteran or servicemember needs to talk.
* Reach Out if you are a veteran or service member struggling with mental health.
“We are honored by the commitment from Chip Ganassi Racing to continue to convey the message of Be the One,” said Dean Kessel, chief marketing officer for The American Legion. “With a second car carrying that message this weekend, we are effectively doubling the number of people who will see the message, and by extension, doubling the opportunities for someone to enroll in our suicide prevention training. These types of opportunities to continue to raise awareness do work. We know our Be the One effort is having a positive impact on the veteran community. We are saving lives and changing lives.”
“As a race team owner, I have sold many products for many brands over the years, but I have never felt that we were really impacting lives in a profound way, and I feel like that’s what we do with The American Legion and its Be the One program, “Chip Ganassi said. “I have never been so proud to represent a brand as I am representing the American Legion and all they do for our nation’s veterans.”
If you are or know a veteran in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line for 24/7 confidential crisis support. Dial 988, then press 1, or visit their website for online chat and text options.
