LOCKPORT, NY – Spire Recovery Solutions is urging everyone to pause this holiday season to remember all active duty and veteran military service members and their families. From the felt absences of family members and traditions to social/emotional/financial stressors, the holiday season and winter days that follow are particularly challenging times of year for many military and veteran families. Often, it’s not the most wonderful but the most difficult time. As veterans themselves, this is always a cause close to the hearts of Spire executives Joseph and Jacob Torriere. 

Holidays on Active Duty

In addition to ongoing U.S. military presence and various deployments throughout the world, the U.S. sent additional troops to Poland in 2022 to aid in combating the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The situation calls for ongoing active presence for the foreseeable future as the war rages on. Currently, approximately 10,000 U.S. personnel are on rotation in Poland. To support active duty service members, the USO is the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. 

Ways to help and “give more than thanks” are detailed on the USO website. Sending letters and supporting local families of deployed men and women during the holidays through simple acts of service and kindness are also great ways to recognize and support the troops. One may never know what a profound effect a timely word of encouragement or other seemingly small act may have on an individual, family, or military unit. 

Challenges for Veterans

The holidays and winter months can also be tough for veterans of all ages, but especially those that have returned to the U.S. more recently. Veterans on average experience a range of mental health, family/relational health, and addiction issues at statistically higher rates than non-military citizens, particularly in the first year after military separation. Extended separation from family units, combat trauma, and prolonged individual and family stressors associated with tours of duty can all contribute to and aggravate these challenges. 

According to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, suicide was the second leading cause of death for veterans aged 18-44 in 2020, and “in each year from 2001 through 2020, age- and sex-adjusted suicide rates of Veterans exceeded those of nonVeteran U.S. adults.” There were, on average 16.8 Veteran suicides per day in 2020.

Organizations Spire Supported in 2022

For those interested in making a financial donation to a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of active and veteran military members and their families, there are many quality organizations making a real difference. In 2022, Spire chose to support Soldiers’ Angels and the All Secure Foundation. Soldiers’ Angels mission is to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community— no matter what that individual’s political or religious affiliations might be. All Secure Foundation assists Special Operations Active Duty and Combat Veterans, and their families, in recovery from post-traumatic stress through education, awareness, resources for healing, workshop retreats, and PTS Resiliency Training.  

This season, Spire also donated to the We Defy Foundation. Their mission is to provide combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness training. There are 45 states with WDF gyms, with a total of 600 athlete scholarships provided and over 500 affiliate gyms operating in 2021. From grantors to corporations to nonprofit partners, We Defy is focused on working with other like-minded organizations to elevate their ability to serve the disabled combat veteran community. 

About Spire Recovery Solutions 

Spire Recovery Solutions, LLC was founded by U.S. Veterans Joseph Torriere and Jacob Torriere. Spire is a professional, nationally licensed full-service debt collection agency that assists creditors in the recovery of outstanding balances while providing consumers with exceptional customer service. Spire Recovery Solutions uses customized processes and state-of-the-art technology to provide transparency and compliance that clients and consumers trust and rely on while working together toward account resolution.