About Us
At Break Stigmas, we are committed to more than just raising awareness about the veteran suicide crisis, we deliver real life solutions. Our core mission is to unite veterans, nationwide, by creating safe, welcoming events and supportive spaces where veterans can gather, bringing them out of isolation and into comradery.
We believe in the healing power of connection. Through fully sponsored meetups and social events, we create environments where veterans can openly share their stories, build authentic life-long relationships, and experience true healing. Our meet-ups are designed to break down mental health stigmas for both veterans and civilians, fostering compassion, understanding, and acceptance through dialogue.
We actively promote mental health awareness and advocate for alternative healing methods, including plant medicine, as meaningful paths to wellness. Every contribution directly fuels these life-changing initiatives ensuring that no veteran has to face their struggles alone.
Join us in building a community of hope, support, and meaningful connection. Discover how you can be part of the movement to change lives and break stigmas for good.
My mission at Sunnyside of Freedom is to build a thriving community where patriots and veterans can come together to support one another and form meaningful connections.
With over 20 years in the healthcare field, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles our veterans go through. Struggles that are directly tied to the veteran suicide crisis. Watching this unfold has made it clear to me that talk alone is not enough.
For me, this mission is about action. I created Sunnyside of Freedom because I refuse to sit on the sidelines. Through regular meetups across the nation, I work to give veterans opportunities to connect, share their stories, and build lasting friendships. These gatherings aren’t just events, they’re a way to take action, create healing, and form a family of support that stands strong together.
I’m Ryan “Chief” Johnson, a retired 20-year Navy Chief. After overcoming pills and alcohol with the help of cannabis, I made it my mission to share that healing with others.
I wrote Strains for Pains to document the strains that helped me most, then launched a podcast to raise awareness about the veteran suicide crisis and how cannabis has kept so many from being one of the 22 veterans we lose daily.
Today, through plant medicine, music, and community, I’m dedicated to breaking stigmas, uniting veterans, and creating hope for those who need it most.