203: Combatting First Responder and Veteran S-icide: ACTION over Awareness w/ veteran Mark Messina, QRF UP

We often talk on the alarming and devastating rates of depression, crisis and su-cide in first responder and veteran communities.  Bringing awareness is one thing, but as combat veteran Mark Messina discusses- we don't need more awareness- we are all keenly aware.  We need ACTION that actually addresses the issue and provides immediate help to those suffering.  

We talk about Mark's military career, raising his hand to get help, which was one step of his continuation of serving the greater good in building Grey Group Tactical and now serving as the VP for QRFUP to combat su-cidality taking far too many of our people.

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Mark Messina is a combat-tested leader, security expert, and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing tactical training, crisis response, and mission-readiness solutions. After retiring from the military, he founded Grey Group Tactical Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Corporation, to bring his extensive operational experience to the private sector—educating, training, and outfitting clients with mission-critical gear and knowledge.

In addition to his leadership at Grey Group Tactical, Mark serves as the Vice President of QRFUP, an organization committed to providing rapid crisis response solutions for service members, veterans, and first responders. Through QRFUP, he helps develop life-saving crisis intervention programs, ensuring that those who serve receive the support they need when they need it most.

Throughout his service, he played a crucial role in combat operations, security cooperation, and training foreign allied forces. His expertise in counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and force protection continues to shape his approach to leadership, training, and security consulting.

Mark’s mission is clear: to challenge the status quo in the tactical industry by bridging the gap between training, technology, and real-world application. Through Grey Group Tactical and QRFUP, he continues to drive innovation in security, crisis intervention, and tactical preparedness, ensuring that those on the front lines—whether in combat, law enforcement, or emergency response—have the training and resources they need to excel and survive.

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music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic