#United States #mental health #National Harbor, Maryland #TotalForce+ #Comedy Training

1° of Separation: A Unique Approach to Military Mental Health

The nonprofit organization 1° of Separation is set to make waves at the upcoming TotalForce+ Conference, which will take place from October 28-29, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland. Known for its innovative use of humor in the fight against mental health stigma, 1° of Separation aims to reshape the conversation surrounding mental health, depression, and suicide prevention in military circles through its unique and engaging methods.

TotalForce+, hosted by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), is described as the first military conference where people truly outrank everything. This groundbreaking event fosters collaboration among leaders across various branches and ranks of the military. The primary goal is to generate impactful solutions that support service members, veterans, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and their families.

At this conference, 1° of Separation will introduce its engaging motto, "Mission Laugh. Listen. Live." This slogan encapsulates the organization’s mission to spark serious dialogues about mental health by using humor as a gateway. Brad Bonar, Jr., the founder of 1° of Separation, emphasizes that laughter has the power to dismantle barriers. He states, _"By creating a safe space to talk about mental health through humor, we're helping service members and their families connect, share, and find hope. The TotalForce+ Conference presents a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate with others dedicated to strengthening America's most vital resource—its people."_

Innovative Training Programs

1° of Separation's approach to mental health training focuses on practical strategies designed to prevent mental health crises before they can escalate. Central to this initiative is the