In 2007, at just 17 years old, Samuel Rock enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 12C (Bridge Crew Member). By the time he turned 18, he was deployed to Iraq—a designated combat zone—where he served for 2 months and 23 days. This service officially classifies him as a combat veteran under U.S. military guidelines.
During that deployment, Samuel sustained injuries, was medically evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany. He was honorably discharged in March 2008.
Samuel returned home not just physically hurt—but emotionally and spiritually broken. Like many combat veterans, he faced a harsh reality: the transition back to civilian life offered little guidance, few resources, and even fewer people who truly understood the weight of his experience. He battled homelessness, trauma, and the overwhelming feeling of being forgotten.
For years, Samuel tried to convince himself he was “fine.” But behind the scenes, he was running—from people, from pain, from purpose. Until one day, he decided to stop running.
In 2019, fueled by his own journey and the loss of fellow veterans to suicide, Samuel founded the Battle Buddy Response Team® (BBRT) with one mission: to serve veterans and their families—and to stop and prevent all veteran suicide.
What began as a one-man effort has grown into a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to rapid response, crisis intervention, and unwavering support for those who feel alone in their struggle. BBRT is built on trust, lived experience, and a powerful message: You are never alone.
Every call BBRT answers, every door they knock on, and every life they touch is a reminder of why this organization exists. It was born from pain—but built with purpose.
Contact us:
(855)777-BBRT
