Support Over Stigma

01/10/2026

Thank you Dave for sharing these important reminders

davideigenberg grahamtrude

01/09/2026

Thank you to and for the generous donation of shelf stable milk!

Here are just a few photos of those we are able to bless with this donation.

A special thanks to Zrelak for making this happen.

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

💌 Valentines for Veterans & First Responders 💌

This Valentine’s Day, Support Over Stigma is collecting Valentine’s cards for our local Veterans and First Responders—simple reminders that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. These cards will be added to gift bags that are distributed locally to help spread encouragement, connection, and hope.

Are you a teacher, scout leader, youth group coordinator, faith-based group, corporate team, club, or family looking for a meaningful service project? This is an easy, heartfelt way to make a big impact with minimal cost and maximum kindness.

💗 Cards can be homemade or store-bought
🖊️ Messages of encouragement, gratitude, or support are welcome
📅 Please send cards now through February 10th to ensure delivery

📬 Mail cards to:
Valentines for Veterans
c/o Support Over Stigma
2551 Dukane Drive, Ste A1
St. Charles, IL 60174

Let’s come together to remind our Veterans and First Responders that they are cared for, appreciated, and never alone. ❤️

01/08/2026

Mia Fowlkes is one of our hardest working partners!

12/29/2025

WE MUST DO BETTER!

December 9, 2025, Thatcher Rupert took his own life. He was a 20-year-old sailor stationed at Tinker Air Force Base.

That afternoon, Thatcher went to Mental Health and urgently requested to see the therapist he had been assigned. He was turned away and told he needed to make an appointment. Distressed, he caused a scene and left the office. Thatcher then exited the base and drove to a highway overpass.

A fellow service member and a police officer passing by saw Thatcher sitting on the ledge of the bridge and stopped to intervene. They attempted to talk him down, but Thatcher stated that he could not be helped. He told them he had gone to Mental Health and had done everything he was supposed to do, yet he was still not receiving help. He then jumped.

It was not until minutes after this that Tinker Air Force Base initiated a base closure. Mental Health reportedly waited nearly an hour before alerting Security Forces and closing the base to begin searching for Thatcher.

Thatcher had been actively seeking help for over six months. The earliest reports of his mental health deteriorating and of him publicly sharing suicidal ideations date back to last summer. He had been actively pursuing discharge from the military.

Despite the very public nature of his death, there were no local news reports. There was not a single public statement or acknowledgment from Tinker Air Force Base. The family was not notified for nearly 24 hours, and when they were, they were not even informed that Thatcher had taken his own life.

As his family continues to search for answers, Thatcher’s command has reportedly instructed his friends and coworkers not to speak with them.

There have been nine suicides at Tinker Air Force Base this year alone. Four of those reportedly occurred within VQ-3, Thatcher’s squadron. Multiple complaints had been submitted prior to this incident regarding the therapist assigned to Thatcher.

Thatcher was a kind, loving young man who was deeply loved by his family and by everyone who had the chance to know him.
Rest in peace, Thatcher.

News link⬇️

https://www.news9.com/oklahoma-city-news/okc-bridge-death-investigation-ohp

12/28/2025

Christmas 🎄 at Naval Station Great Lakes.

We want to say Thank you to:

Our Baking Elves for all the sweet treats

Lutheran ChurchCharities - for bringing comfortdogs (Truly the stars of the show!)

-for the amazing food

Our AMAZING Volunteers

for you continued support & the truck to get everything to NSGL

The two Boy Scouts for your help

We especially want to thank Judd & Kristy Weber. It is your hard work & incredible fundraising that make this event possible!

12/23/2025

Calling all of our Baking Elves

We are looking for cookies, brownies, fudge,candy, and other treats to take to the Sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes who cannot go home for the Holidays.

Drop off times/locations

Friday, December 26th
2551 Dukane Drive, Ste A1, St. Charles
9 - 11 a.m.
4 pm - 6 pm

250 S. Gary Avenue, Carol Stream (Door E5)
11:45 - 2 p.m.

12/23/2025

We wish you a joyous Christmas 🎄 Season.

Our offices will be closed December 23rd - 25th.

If you or someone you know is suffering a mental health emergency, dial 911, 988 or head to the nearest emergency department.

12/22/2025

Our Elves were busy today supporting our Veterans. Working hard to ensure they know we are here this Holiday Season.

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