About Us

Joshua Hinkle

President/Founder 

In the first half of my adult life, I dedicated myself to serving in the army, facing challenges from financial struggles to mental health battles upon my return to civilian life. Despite enduring several stints in VA hospitals, the weight of transitioning back into society took its toll. As an artist and philosopher, I found solace in expressing my experiences through my work, but it wasn't until I witnessed the staggering toll of veteran suicides that I felt compelled to act.

Losing friends, brothers, and sisters to suicide at an alarming rate, including the devastating loss of three close friends in a single week, was a wake-up call. Determined to take control of my mental health and to prevent further tragedies within the veteran community, I made a solemn vow to myself. Since that pivotal moment, I've dedicated myself tirelessly to finding new pathways to support and advocate for my fellow veterans in the United States.

Through my art and philosophical reflections, I aim to bring awareness to the epidemic of veteran suicides and to foster a community of understanding and support. My struggles have fueled my passion to make a difference, and I am committed to forging a brighter future for those who have served our country. As I finish my undergraduate studies this May and for the path into graduate school and beyond, I will never falter, and stop until this madness is ended.

We are The Freeborn Initiative, a non-profit organization founded and operated by veterans and our allies.

The Freeborn Initiative is dedicated to serving veterans in crisis as our primary mission. We maintain a 24-hour crisis line and are committed to establishing a nationwide network of volunteers and physical locations to offer a safe haven for veterans in need. Recognizing the unacceptable wait times for mental health services, we provide immediate support to ensure the safety of our veterans. Our utmost priority is saving lives and providing assistance to those battling mental health challenges. With an estimated 62,000 veterans projected to die by suicide over the next six years, we are steadfast in our mission to eradicate this silent epidemic.

Our mission extends to providing unwavering support, honor, and remembrance to veterans and service members who have tragically taken their own lives. As a coalition of veterans and allies, we amplify the voices of those lost and bring hope back to our community through remembrance.

 Our flagship project, Operation Sewing Hope, involves the creation of a national Quilt of Remembrance, a dynamic art installation commemorating veterans lost to suicide. This initiative is deeply personal, as our founder lost his uncle to suicide in 2001, with his name being the first inscribed on the quilt. Additionally, quilts crafted by the founder's family members, including one received during his own crisis, will be included. We, The Freeborn, have experienced the devastation of this epidemic firsthand, and our resolve to support veterans in crisis is unwavering. We are committed to this fight indefinitely, refusing to waver or falter in our mission.