We are dedicated to end the military suicide phenomenon and support the families affected by it
What is Minus 22?
I started The Minus 22 Foundation because I felt that the veteran and servicemember community needed an organization that would take a practical approach to eradicating the suicide phenomenon and supporting the families who are immediately affected by it. Too often I have seen “nonprofit” organizations who claim to support this cause fall short. I have created a board of members who are all veterans that I trust with my life and every one of us has agreed to never take a salary for our positions as board members. We aim to put as many donated/raised dollars to practically influential use as possible. We believe that bureaucracy is what has been the root problem that the majority of the issues in the veteran and servicemember community stem from and our goal is to set a higher standard of excellence and assistance than those organizations set before us. We have 4 main goals:
- To educate the general public of the reality of the phenomenon as well as educate servicemembers of the results that these suicidal decisions create.
- We will create a care package sponsorship program so that families who have been directly affected by the military suicide phenomenon can get practical support immediately after the incident for up to 12 months with gas/grocery gift cards as well as supportive literature and other support channels.
- We will open an investment account that anyone can donate to of which the principle amount will never be taken from in order to sponsor the surviving family members of the phenomenon with college scholarships on the interest alone in perpetuity.
- We will purchase mixed use commercial property and utilize the leases from any organization willing to partner with us to directly fund transitory housing for transitioning servicemembers, veterans & families affected by the phenomenon alike. Please join us in our mission to support these families in their time of need and to give servicemembers and veterans the hope to continue forward in the fight against military suicide.
Who is Behind Minus 22?
David Gambone
FOUNDER
David Gambone is a 31 year old Massachusetts native who served 5 years of Active Duty in the United States Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic from 2013-2018.
Erich Meltvedt
DIRECTOR
Erich Meltvedt is a director, producer, that currently lives in Orange County, California. Born in Hollywood, Erich has many commercial credits showcasing well known products that have been used all over the world. [Read More]
Nick Casucci
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
I was a musician and artist in high school and when I realized film was a blending of both of those mediums, I rotoscoped my first lightsaber fan film (with a lot of help) and called it macaroni.
Foundation Board Members
Neil Newman
Neil Newman is a Senior Information Systems Technologist at Raytheon Intelligence and Space. He served eight years of Active Duty with the United States Army, both CONUS and throughout the Pacific region. He is currently a Senior at the University of Massachusetts, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology. Neil lives in Southern Massachusetts with his wife Chelseá and their children, Rowan and Guineviere. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys volunteering at a local non-profit organization, Cape Cod HELP.
Jason Teague
Jason Teague is a Massachusetts native who is 49 years old and served 12 years as a US Army Infantryman. He participated in countless missions across the globe during his time in service, most notably he was part of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. Following his military service he pursued careers in civil service and continues to support his local community by volunteering to help support local veterans and their families on an ongoing basis. Jason is a member of the Patriot Riders of America and the secretary for The Minus 22 Foundation. He enjoys the outdoors and motorcycle riding in his off time.
Sarah Pinkerton
Sarah Pinkerton is a fighter. In 2003, she enlisted in the Marine Corps, eventually earning the rank of sergeant, and deploying to Iraq in 2008. After an honorable discharge in 2011, she took her fighting spirit to the classroom, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in Human Health Counseling. Today, Pinkerton is fighting against the opioid crisis and mental health stigma in the capacity of a Licensed Social Worker Associate, giving help and hope to the many who are homeless and addicted. Pinkerton’s dedication to the community started in high school. Through church sponsored outreach programs she volunteered at homeless shelters, parlaying this passion into many jobs in substance abuse, child protection and mental health counseling. Most of the veterans she worked with were homeless, often afflicted by PTSD and substance abuse.
Aundrea Harter
Aundrea Harter is a 31 year old Pittsburgh, PA native relocated to Laconia, NH. She served 6 years with the Army Reserves as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. In her spare time, Aundrea loves the outdoors and spending time with her family, her boyfriend, Brandon, and their 6 animals.
JOIN US AS WE PROTECT THOSE WHO PROTECTED US
