#United States #Alexandria #Spartan Sword #Boone Cutler #Spartan Pledge

Remembering Boone Cutler: A Champion for Veterans

On September 18, 2025, the veteran community faced a profound loss with the passing of Boone Cutler, the esteemed Chairman and inspirational force behind SpartanSword.org. Boone's commitment to improving the lives of veterans was unparalleled, particularly in addressing the critical issues surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. His journey from a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne to a prominent advocate for veterans’ welfare is a testament to his resilience and dedication.

Boone's early military career was marked by exemplary service, having re-enlisted following the events of September 11, 2001. However, his service in Iraq changed his life forever. During his deployment, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and subsequently faced a daunting recovery process at Walter Reed. It was here, amidst the struggle, that Boone encountered the adverse effects of overprescribed medications, often referred to as the "Zombie Cocktail." He became acutely aware of the heavy toll these substances took on veterans, contributing to an alarmingly high suicide rate among his peers.

Determined to reclaim his life, Boone made the courageous decision to wean himself off these medications during his time in the VA hospital in Reno, Nevada. This pivotal moment catalyzed the creation of the Spartan Pledge, a powerful message urging veterans to seek help before considering self-harm. As he poignantly stated, "I will not take my own life by my own hand without talking to my Battle Buddy first." This simple yet profound commitment fostered a culture of connection and support among veterans, effectively breaking the isolation that so often accompanies mental health struggles.

The Spartan Pledge soon became a symbol of hope and resilience, embodied in the Spartan Sword, crafted from steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center and forged by a veteran blacksmith. The sword serves as a conduit for Boone's message, reminding veterans across the nation that they are not alone in their battles. Boone tirelessly carried this message, often prioritizing the needs of those in crisis over his own, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and compassion.

Just a day before his death, Boone was preparing to participate in the National Veterans Parade in Washington, D.C., sharing the Spartan Pledge with a broader audience. Although unable to march himself, his beloved wife, Malisa, has committed to carrying the Spartan Sword in his honor, a testament to their shared dedication to veteran advocacy.

Boone’s legacy transcends his life; it continues through the actions of those inspired by his work. The Spartan Sword will march in honor of Boone Cutler in the upcoming National Veterans Parade on November 9th in Washington, D.C., and again on November 11th in New York City. Through these events, Boone’s voice and mission will reverberate, urging veterans to embrace connection and find purpose beyond their struggles.

His philosophy was clear: healing happens through the bonds we forge and the strength we derive from supporting one another. Boone rejected blame for the larger systemic challenges faced by veterans, choosing instead to emphasize the importance of peer support and the collective responsibility of the community.

As we honor Boone Cutler’s life and mission, we invite all veterans and supporters to join the Spartan Sword initiative. By taking the Spartan Pledge and committing to check in on fellow service members, we can collectively work to reduce the stigma around mental health and stand together in solidarity against the tide of veteran suicides.

For more information on the Spartan Sword march and how to get involved, visit SpartanSword.org and the National Veterans Parade’s official website. Together, we can affirm Boone's enduring legacy by embodying the spirit of connection and service he championed throughout his life.