Natalie Brett

My name is Natalie Brett, and I am the proud wife of Sergeant Daniel John Brett. On July 5th, 2023, I became a Green Star Widow. Daniel unexpectedly took his own life due to work related stress that triggered his PTSD.  That day, I lost my husband, my best friend, my soulmate and the world lost one of the kindest, most selfless men I’ve ever known.

Daniel was a protector in every sense of the word. He served his country honorably in the United States Army for 10 years as a Military Police Officer. Daniel served a 15-month deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, but his service didn’t stop when he took off the uniform. He protected his family, his coworkers, and even strangers with the same fierce love and loyalty he showed his brothers-in-arms. His heart was enormous, and his soul was pure. Anyone who knew Daniel knew how deeply he loved and how hard he fought for those he cared about.

We first met in junior high band class. I had the biggest crush on him, but life took us in different directions. Years later, after two divorces and during the last part of his military career, we reconnected. What started as late-night Facebook messages turned into a love story I never thought I’d get to live. When he came home for summer leave, he picked me up like the gentleman he was, and when I opened that door, it was like a lightning bolt hit us both. We knew, in that moment, we were meant to be. For the next 15 months, we kept our love alive long-distance through road trips, Skype calls, care packages, and every sacrifice love demands. Then, on October 1st, 2016, we finally said “I do.”

Daniel didn’t just love me he loved us!  Between us, we had six kids. He walked into an already full house and made it his own with humility and grace. He wasn’t just a dad he was the dad. The volleyball dad, the hockey dad, the JROTC dad, the swim team dad, the Air Force Academy dad. He cheered the loudest, cared the deepest, and wrapped more sprained ankles than I can count.

He made our home a place of laughter and partnership. He’d do dishes, laundry, and even make the bed with me still in it. We figured out our rhythm. We supported one another, we respected each other, our love was balanced, and real soul deep.

Daniel was tough. Some people were even intimidated by him, but with me, he was gentle. After even the hardest day, he would come home and rub my feet. He never stopped telling me I was beautiful, never stopped showing me love. He made me feel like the luckiest woman in the world, but truthfully, it was all of us who were lucky to have him.

Now, my heart is shattered. Our six children lost their dad. I lost my forever, and I live life broken but determined, to speak out, and not just for Daniel, but for every family touched by invisible wounds that result in suicide.

If you are struggling, please hear me now: You are not alone. Reach out, and speak up. Let someone in, and there is no shame in needing help. Daniel used to say, “I’ve got your six.” I am now saying it. Check on each other, Love each other, and Do not wait.

Chrissy

Samantha Bassett

My name is Samantha Bassett, and I am a Green Star widow. My late husband, Mitchell Allen Bassett Jr., served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 to 2014. In 2012, while deployed in Afghanistan, he sustained injuries that ultimately led to his transition to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. He was medically retired in 2014 due to permanent physical disabilities.

From 2014 until his tragic passing in November 2024, Mitchell faced numerous challenges related to his physical disabilities, which were compounded by mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, moral injury, and struggles with alcohol. Despite these difficulties, Mitchell was a remarkable individual whose generosity and kindness touched the lives of everyone around him.

On Thanksgiving 2024, Mitchell made the heartbreaking decision to take his own life. While this chapter of his life has come to an end, I believe that his story—and the courage and strength he embodied—will continue to inspire change. His legacy will not be one of despair but rather a call to action.

I have developed an earnest and growing commitment to advocate for veterans, particularly in addressing the staggering statistic of 22 lives lost to suicide each day. Mitchell may have departed from this world, but his spirit and the impact of his life will never be forgotten. Together, we can work towards solutions that honor his memory and support our veterans in their time of need.