About Green Star Families
Empowering families affected by military-related suicides.
About Us
Green Star Families of America is the national movement honoring families of veterans lost to suicide. We’re leading the charge to federally recognize the Green Star Service Banner—a symbol of remembrance, respect, and truth.
Mission
Green Star Families of America exists to honor, recognize, and advocate for the families of veterans lost to suicide.
We are committed to securing formal federal recognition of the Green Star Service Banner as a national symbol of remembrance, raising awareness about the ongoing veteran suicide crisis, and restoring dignity to the families left behind. Through legislation, public outreach, and coalition building, we fight to ensure their sacrifice is never ignored—and never forgotten.
Our Team
Matt Cahill
Sergeant First Class (Retired), U.S. Army Medic | Master of Social Work (MSW) | PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Melissa Cahill, RN
Melissa Cahill is a registered nurse, nonprofit co-founder, and longtime advocate for Veterans,
service members, and their families.
Natalie Brett
I am Natalie Brett, a proud military spouse, a widow, and the voice behind a mission born from unimaginable loss.
Richard Cassey
Emma Roesner
Emma serves as Executive Secretary of Green Star Families of America, providing
organizational coordination,
What We Do
At Green Star Families of America, we fight for national recognition of families who have lost a veteran to suicide. We:
- Advocate for federal legislation to establish the Green Star Service Banner as an official symbol of honor and remembrance.
- Support families through outreach, awareness campaigns, and community engagement.
- Educate the public and policymakers about the stigma, silence, and systemic failures surrounding veteran suicide.
- Build coalitions with veteran organizations, mental health professionals, and lawmakers to drive real change.
We turn grief into purpose—and silence into national recognition.
Our Journey
How We Started
Green Star Families of America was born out of grief, frustration, and a refusal to let silence be the final chapter.
After 26 years of service as an Army Medic, our founder witnessed firsthand how the system fails veterans—and how families are left behind when suicide takes its toll. What began as a personal mission to honor those lost and support those left behind quickly grew into a national movement.
Seeing no formal recognition for these families—not even a flag to hang in their
honor—we launched Green Star Families to fill that void. We designed the Green Star Service Banner, built a coalition of supporters, and began pushing for federal legislation to ensure that families of veterans lost to suicide are seen, heard, and honored at the highest levels.
Situation
Every day, we lose an estimated 22+ veterans to suicide—but their families receive no formal recognition, no national honor, and no public acknowledgment of their sacrifice. Unlike other military losses, these deaths are often hidden in silence, buried under stigma, and ignored by the systems meant to support them.
The government offers no official symbol, no ceremonial banner, and no structured support for families of veterans lost to suicide. These are the forgotten families of America’s longest war—and we’re here to change that.
Certified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
501(c)(3) Certification
Awarded Community Impact Award 2022
501(c)(3) Certification
Advocacy for Green Star Flag Legislation
Community Service Award
Our Distinctive Approach
Unique Support for Families Impacted by Military Suicides
Step 1
Federal recognition of the Service Banner
Step 2
Evaluating programs in existence (Like TAPS programs)
Step 3
Supporting appropriate programs and lobbying for Federal Benefits for the families.