I was raised by a woman whose heart knew no limits. My mother taught me, not just with words but with the way she lived, that compassion is a verb. Whether it was offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or a fierce prayer, she modeled what it means to show up for others. That spirit lives in me and through every volunteer effort, advocacy campaign, and community movement I lead, I carry her lessons forward.
I believe we are here to leave the world better than we found it, not through grand gestures, but through consistent acts of love, service, and advocacy.
Volunteerism isn’t about having extra time or being a hero. It’s about showing up when it matters, using what you do have — your voice, your story, your hands, your heart — to help someone else rise. Advocacy is about speaking up, not for attention, but for justice, for healing, for those who can’t yet speak for themselves.
Every small act matters. Every voice counts. And when we come together with compassion and purpose, we create ripple effects of hope that can change lives, including our own.
I don’t do this work because it’s easy. I do it because it’s necessary. Because someone once showed up for me. And now, I get to do the same for others.
The most sacred part of my advocacy is born from heartbreak—the loss of my son, USMC Sergeant Conner Mills. His life, his light, and his service guide everything I do. In his honor and memory, I’ve committed myself to raising awareness around mental health for active military and veterans. This isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action, support, and systemic change. It’s about honoring him by helping others stay.
Some missions choose us. Rooted In Service was born from unimaginable loss and unwavering love.
On September 9, 2024, my life changed forever when I lost my son, USMC Sergeant Conner Mills. Conner was more than my son. He was my pride and joy, my best friend, my greatest gift, and one of the kindest souls I have ever known. His loss created a pain no parent should ever have to endure.
But grief has a choice. It can silence us. Or it can give us purpose. I chose purpose.
Rooted In Service exists to honor Conner’s life by helping others stay. It exists to honor every service member, veteran, and family who has been impacted by mental health challenges and suicide. It exists because one life lost is one too many.
This is not simply a cause. It is a promise.
A promise that their stories matter.
A promise that their lives matter.
A promise that we will be louder than the silence.
Mental health should never be a career-ending conversation.
Too many active-duty military members and veterans suffer in silence because of stigma, fear, misunderstanding, or a lack of support. Too many families are left asking questions they may never have answered.
Rooted In Service was created to challenge that reality.
Our mission is to educate, advocate, and inspire action around military and veteran mental health awareness, education, and suicide prevention.
Through Rooted In Service, we are committed to creating meaningful impact through:
Providing resources, awareness campaigns, speaking engagements, community discussions, and educational programs focused on military and veteran mental health.
Amplifying the voices of service members, veterans, survivors, and families while working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health support.
Supporting reputable organizations and programs dedicated to military mental health, suicide prevention, veteran wellness, and family support services.
Hosting events, fundraisers, awareness walks, rucks, and initiatives that bring people together around a shared mission of hope, healing, and prevention.
Creating safe spaces for individuals and families to share their experiences, knowing that stories have the power to educate, connect, and save lives.
As Ms. Global Ambassador Queen Wisconsin, I have been given a platform. I believe platforms are not meant for standing on. They are meant for lifting others up.
I proudly use my voice to advocate for mental health awareness, education, and suicide prevention for active military members, veterans, and their families.
Every speech, every interview, every fundraiser, every event, and every conversation is rooted in one belief: We must be louder than the silence.
Because silence costs lives. Because conversations create hope. Because someone listening today may decide to stay tomorrow.
Creating change requires a community. Whether you are an individual, business, nonprofit organization, military supporter, veteran advocate, or event organizer, there is a place for you in this mission.
Bring a powerful message of resilience, leadership, mental health awareness, advocacy, and hope to your conference, organization, military event, school, or community gathering.
Collaborate on awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, fundraising efforts, and community outreach programs.
Your support helps expand awareness, education, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives that honor those we’ve lost while helping others find hope.
Support programs and events dedicated to mental health education, suicide prevention, and military and veteran wellness.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is start a conversation.
Be the person who asks. Be the person who listens. Be the person who shows up.
For Conner. For Those We Have Lost. For Those Still Here.
Conner’s story did not end with his passing. His legacy lives on through every life touched, every conversation started, every person supported, and every voice raised.
Rooted In Service is more than an organization. It is a commitment. A commitment to honor. A commitment to serve. A commitment to educate. A commitment to advocate.
And above all, a commitment to be louder than the silence.
The Mighty Oaks Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to serving our nation’s warriors and their families. Through intensive peer-to-peer programs, resiliency training, and spiritual healing, they offer support to those battling PTSD, combat trauma, and moral injury. What makes them different? They don’t just offer tools, they build brotherhoods. Their mission aligns with my own: to ensure that no service member fights their internal battles alone.
Every day in America, an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide. That’s not just a number; it’s a national crisis. 22 for 22 is a powerful movement created to shine a light on this heartbreaking reality and ignite real change. Through daily awareness walks, advocacy, and community action, we honor those we’ve lost and fight for those still here. I walk in memory of my son and in solidarity with every family who knows this pain. We walk 2.2 miles a day not just for awareness, but for impact, for healing, and for hope.
They protected us. Now it’s our turn. Let’s walk. Let’s speak. Let’s change the story.
At Balanced Symmetree, we believe true leadership extends beyond ourselves—it’s
about standing rooted in community, lifting others, and making a difference where it’s
needed most. That’s why we proudly support the work of Stop Soldier Suicide, the only
national nonprofit dedicated solely to ending suicide among U.S. service members and
veterans.
Founded by Army veterans who personally felt the weight of loss within their ranks, Stop
Soldier Suicide is driven by a powerful mission: to reduce the military suicide rate by
40% by 2030. Their vision is a future where those who have served our nation are no
more at risk of suicide than any other American.
Why This Matters
Every day, far too many veterans and service members struggle silently with the invisible wounds of service. They deserve more than awareness—they deserve action, compassion, and support. Stop Soldier Suicide provides exactly that, offering proactive, personalized, and military-specific care that saves lives.
How They Lead the Way
Our Call to Action
Balanced Symmetree is committed to shining a light on this critical mission. Together,
we can help ensure no soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine is left to fight their battles alone.
If you feel called, we invite you to learn more, share their mission, or donate directly at
StopSoldierSuicide.org.
Because rooted leadership means taking action. And together, we can grow stronger,
heal deeper, and stand taller side by side with those who’ve served.
2nd Annual Active Military Mental Health & Suicide Awareness and Prevention benefit honoring my son, USMC Sgt. Conner Mills, is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Five 4’s Distillery, 417 North Center Street, Newton Falls, Ohio.
Donations accepted at: https://StopSoldierSuicide.donordrive.com/campaign/2nd-Annual-Military-Mental-Health-Suicide-Prevention and join the Event Facebook Event Page (https://www.facebook.com/share/17kLCJYxyM/) for details on the performers, speakers, and activities that will take place.
2nd Annual Active Military Suicide Awareness and Prevention benefit is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Five 4’s Distillery, 417 North Center Street, Newton Falls, Ohio. More information to come as the date gets closer.
Ready to bring Erica’s empowering message to your stage? Let’s make your next event unforgettable.
