This June 21-22, Mission Roll Call is proud to join forces with the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program and the Malone Family Foundation for Hockey Heals 22, an inspiring event where 22 hours of continuous hockey are dedicated to one powerful mission: ending veteran suicide.
Veteran suicide is a national crisis. For years, the number “22” has served as a symbol, representing the estimated 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. While different studies and data sources have offered varied figures over time, the truth remains painfully clear: we are losing far too many heroes to invisible wounds.
Behind every number is a name, a family, and a story. And events like Hockey Heals 22 remind us that awareness alone isn’t enough—we need action, connection, and purpose to drive real change.
The Lightning Warriors
Founded in 2017 and formally incorporated in 2020, the Lightning Warriors Hockey Program is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the disabled veteran community through hockey. Their mission is to create a therapeutic and educational environment—both recreational and competitive—that fosters healing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Hockey Heals 22 is an extension of that mission. It brings together athletes, veterans, and supporters to raise awareness, build community, and honor those we’ve lost by fighting for those still here.
MRC’s Role
As a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Mission Roll Call gives a voice to veterans and their families through real-time polling, storytelling, and advocacy. Our mission is simple: to ensure every veteran is seen, heard, and supported.
In 2025, we’re focused on four critical priorities:
- Suicide prevention
- Homelessness
- Access to healthcare
- Food and financial insecurity
These challenges are deeply interconnected. That’s why we listen directly to veterans, share their experiences, and advocate for smart, effective policies—like the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which expands mental health care access and support for underserved communities.
Events like Hockey Heals 22 help bring our work to life, uniting national advocacy with local action and community care.
MRC is proud to share this space with the Malone Family Foundation, a fellow co-beneficiary whose mission centers on mental wellness and recovery for veterans, first responders, and their families. Their work—especially through sport-based wellness programs—echoes the values at the heart of this event.
If you’re in the Tampa area, we invite you to join us in person for Hockey Heals 22, as we stand alongside the Lightning Warriors, the Malone Family Foundation, and all those who are committed to saving lives and building a stronger future for our nation’s veterans and their families. If you can’t make it, follow along on MRC’s social channels for photos, stories, and updates from the event.
Together, we can help ensure that every veteran knows: you are not alone, and your life matters.