# Soldier's mission to save veterans from suicide

> A NC Army veteran uses parachuting to help others after losing a friend to suicide.
- Title: Soldier's mission to save veterans from suicide | Shortify
- Summary: A NC Army veteran uses parachuting to help others after losing a friend to suicide. Sgt. Dave Wherley's suicide in 2013 inspired Michael Elliot to create a…
- Keywords: michael elliot, sgt dave wherley, all veterans group, parachuting, veterans suicide, department of veterans affairs, suicide prevention, news, local, Soldier's, mission, save
- Source: 6abc Philadelphia — https://6abc.com/post/nc-army-soldier-mission-save-lives-data-casts-somber-light-military-death-suicide-rates/19859191
- Published: 2026-09-22T23:35:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michael elliot, sgt dave wherley, all veterans group, parachuting, veterans suicide, department of veterans affairs, suicide prevention, news, local
## Data shows veteran suicide crisis
In 2023, 17.5 veterans died by suicide daily, with highest risk among 18-34 year olds.
## Sgt. Dave Wherley's story
Sgt. Dave Wherley, a 2013 Afghanistan veteran, died by suicide twenty days after launching a parachute program with Michael Elliot.
## Michael Elliot's mission
Elliot founded the All Veterans Group to help veterans through parachuting, building camaraderie and connecting with others who understand their struggles.
## Suicide rates remain critical
6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, with 471 active-duty service members also dying by suicide in 2024.
## 61% of veterans not seeking help
61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2013 had not received VA health care in their final year.
## Suicide prevention advice
Dr. Scott Klenzak says recognizing warning signs like withdrawal, disconnection, and substance use is crucial for veterans.
## Key takeaway

Sgt. Dave Wherley's suicide in 2013 inspired Michael Elliot to create a program helping veterans through parachuting.