Public officials gathered in Beacon Tuesday as a relatively new veterans organization was welcomed into the Veterans Memorial Building there. 

Veterans young and old joined together as the Veterans Memorial Building in Beacon to welcome a new organization. Previously home to the VFW Post 666, American Legion Post 203 and other veterans organizations, a new organization called Guardian Revival is joining them.

"We've done a lot in the Hudson Valley region of New York, but we have a lot more to do. There's a lot more veterans and first responders that need our help," said Alexander Othmer, the executive director of Guardian Revival.

Othmer founded Guardian Revival to provide support and services for active duty military members, veterans and first responders at no cost. The programs help guardians deal with any mental health issues or struggles they may be facing.

"Oftentimes, when we still wear the uniform, we feel like we’re OK and we assure ourselves that we’re gonna be fine so that we can keep continuing to do the job that we do. But when you take the uniform off, it kind of all falls down and crumbles," said Othmer.

The Navy veteran knows the struggle firsthand.

Othmer suffered a traumatic brain injury during his time of service, and later suffered from depression, severe anxiety and was suicidal. He got treatment and a companion dog.

He now wants to help other veterans who are suffering.

"You throw COVID on there, you throw the opioid epidemic on there, and you have a recipe for total disaster, particularly in our veteran and first-responder communities," said Othmer.

According to a study by the Watson Institute at Brown University, suicide rates for veterans have been rising for the past 20 years. And more veterans have died by suicide than in combat in all post-9/11 war operations.

Since Guardian Revival was started, they’ve operated remotely. But now they’ll have a new home here with newly designed office space.

"We've seen tremendous growth in our organization just because we have this space now in the building," said Othmer.

The organization helps hundreds of guardians through a hiking program, peer-to-peer support and a companion dog program. But Othmer said veterans organizations need support at the local state and federal level too.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado was on hand Tuesday to offer his support.

"Please know that in me and in the governor, you have partners who care, who love you," he said.

Othmer hopes that by joining forces with more established organizations like the VFW, they can work together to support veterans of all ages.

"We can't forget about our older generations of veterans. We have to make sure our programs at Guardian Revival can also provide them with opportunities," he said.

Their message is that no matter who you are, you’re not alone.

"Those dark moments when you feel like you're hopeless and you have no one to turn to, just know that you're not alone," said Othmer. "There are people out there that are dealing with the same thing that you're dealing with."

If you are a veteran in crisis or know of one who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by dialing 988 then pressing 1.

For more information on Guardian Revival and their programs, go to https://guardianrevival.org/.