Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation

The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation was established in 2012 in Rapid City, United States, driven by an urgent and sobering mission: to address the crisis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and veterans. The foundation's origin is rooted in the stark reality that for many service members, the transition from deployment to civilian life is fraught with internal battles—confusion, turmoil, anger, depression, and isolation. With the statistic that more than one active duty soldier per day dies by suicide and over 8,000 veterans take their own lives annually, the foundation was created as a direct response to this preventable tragedy. Its work is both a tribute to Sergeant Colton Levi Derr and a lifeline for those still struggling.

Core Mission and Current Focus

Today, the Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation focuses primarily on public relations and communications services that amplify awareness around PTSD and veteran suicide prevention. Rather than providing direct clinical care, the foundation uses strategic messaging, storytelling, and media outreach to destigmatize mental health challenges within the military community. Its communications efforts aim to normalize seeking help, educate the public about the invisible wounds of war, and connect veterans and their families with resources. The foundation's public relations work is deeply integrated with its advocacy, ensuring that the voices of those affected by PTSD are heard in local and national conversations. Based in Rapid City, the organization leverages its South Dakota location to serve a broad veteran population while maintaining a national reach through digital campaigns and partnerships.

Services and Specialties

While the Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation does not list specific service offerings in its public directory, its stated focus on public relations and communications suggests a range of capabilities typical for advocacy-focused nonprofits. These likely include:

• Crisis communications and media relations for veteran mental health initiatives
• Development of awareness campaigns around PTSD and suicide prevention
• Content creation, including testimonials and educational materials for families
• Social media management to engage military communities and share resources
• Event promotion for fundraising and community outreach events
• Strategic partnerships with veteran service organizations and government agencies
• Storytelling and narrative development to humanize the impact of PTSD

This service set aligns with the foundation's core objective: using strategic communication to break down barriers to care and ensure that no service member or veteran feels alone in their struggle. The emphasis on family support is particularly notable, as the foundation recognizes that PTSD affects not just the individual but their entire support system.

Who Benefits from the Foundation's Work

The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation is best suited for active duty military members, veterans, and their families who are seeking to understand or address PTSD-related challenges. It is also a valuable resource for organizations that work with this population, such as VA facilities, military bases, and veteran support groups, looking for effective communication strategies to reduce stigma. Additionally, the foundation's public relations expertise can assist other nonprofits in crafting messages that resonate with military audiences. For anyone in Rapid City or across the United States who wants to support veteran mental health, the foundation offers a clear entry point through its awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts. Its work is particularly relevant for communities looking to implement suicide prevention programs or increase PTSD education among local leaders and policymakers. By focusing on communication rather than direct services, the foundation fills a critical gap in the ecosystem of veteran support, ensuring that the conversation around mental health remains visible and actionable.