Operation Elevate is a military-focused suicide prevention and intervention initiative led by the Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt Foundation. Created in memory of Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt, a U.S. Marine who died by suicide while serving, this project exists to take suicide prevention to the highest level of visibility and impact—reaching service members and veterans before they reach a crisis point and ensuring no one struggles alone in silence.
The name Operation Elevate reflects both our mission and our method. Just as climbers ascending Mount Everest rely on teamwork, preparation, and support systems to survive the climb, our military community must be equipped with the tools, confidence, and peer support needed to help one another through life’s most difficult terrain. Suicide prevention is not a solo mission—it requires readiness, connection, and people willing to step in when the path becomes dangerous.
Taking the message to the highest peak
A powerful awareness and advocacy component of Operation Elevate involves two experienced mountaineers—both U.S. military veterans, including one combat veteran— who are carrying this mission to the highest point on Earth. These climbers are bringing the message of veteran suicide prevention to the global stage by taking it to Mount Everest.
Their climb symbolizes the invisible weight many service members and veterans carry in silence, and the strength it takes to reach out for support. By connecting the physical challenge of the world’s highest peak with the emotional challenges faced by those who serve, Operation Elevate uses a powerful visual and human story to spark conversation, reduce stigma, and shine a spotlight on the urgent need for proven intervention skills and accessible support.
The Need
Active-duty service members and veterans face unique stressors that can increase vulnerability to mental health struggles, including high operational tempo, frequent moves, separation from family, trauma exposure, sleep disruption, and the cultural pressure to appear strong at all times. Despite growing awareness, stigma and fear of career impact still prevent many from seeking help through traditional channels.
Peers are often the first to notice when something is wrong—changes in mood, behavior, or outlook. Yet many people still don’t feel confident knowing what to say, how to ask about suicide, or what steps to take if someone admits they are struggling. Operation Elevate addresses this critical gap.
What Operation Elevate Does
Operation Elevate delivers evidence-based suicide intervention training and direct support resources specifically for the military community. Our core training model is ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)—a two-day, interactive workshop that teaches participants how to:
Recognize when someone may be at risk of suicide
Ask directly about suicidal thoughts
Listen with empathy and without judgment
Create a collaborative safety plan
Connect the person to ongoing support
This is not a lecture. It is hands-on, scenario-based training designed to build real-world confidence. Participants leave knowing they can step in, should step in, and how to step in.
Who We Serve
Operation Elevate prioritizes:
Active-duty service members
Unit leaders and NCOs
Military spouses and family readiness groups
Veterans transitioning to civilian life
Military-connected community members
By training both service members and their surrounding support networks, we create layers of protection—increasing the number of people who can recognize warning signs and take action.
Military-led, community-supported
A defining strength of Operation Elevate is that it is supported by the very community it serves. Trainings are often hosted in partnership with military leadership and support personnel who understand the culture and challenges of military life. Service members and veterans are not just attendees—they become part of a growing network of trained “gatekeepers” who carry these life-saving skills back to their units and communities.
This peer-to-peer model helps break stigma and normalize conversations about mental health, resilience, and asking for help. When someone hears these messages from a fellow service member or veteran, it carries a different level of trust and impact.
Beyond training: Direct support & resources
Operation Elevate goes beyond classroom training. Project funds also help us provide direct support and resources for service members, veterans, and families who need extra care while navigating difficult moments. Support may include:
Emergency assistance for those facing acute hardship
Wellness and mental health support resources when access is delayed or limited
Care packages and morale support for deployed service members
Resource navigation to connect individuals with trusted local and national services
These supports reinforce a simple but powerful message: you are seen, you matter, and help is available.
The impact we aim to create
Operation Elevate is designed to produce measurable, life-saving outcomes:
Increased confidence among participants to intervene when someone may be suicidal
Increased willingness to ask directly about suicide
Stronger peer support networks within military units and veteran communities
Earlier intervention before a crisis escalates
Reduced isolation among struggling service members and veterans
Every person trained becomes a potential life-saver—someone prepared to notice the warning signs, start the hard conversation, and walk alongside a fellow service member toward safety.
How funds are used
Donations and corporate support through Benevity directly fund:
ASIST workshop materials, coordination, and delivery
Certified trainers to deliver workshops at low or no cost to military-connected groups
Travel and logistics to bring training where it is most needed
Direct support resources for service members, veterans, and families
Outreach and awareness efforts, including the Mount Everest visibility campaign led by veteran climbers
Every contribution helps us elevate awareness, elevate skills, and ultimately elevate hope within the military community.
