“I joined the Million Veteran Program after losing my best friend to cancer”

I joined the Million Veteran Program because I believe in the power of research to transform lives, not just today but for the future. The program’s mission to advance lifesaving medical research is something that speaks to every Veteran. As Veterans, we’ve all sacrificed, and we want to know that future generations will receive the care they deserve because of the steps we take today.

This mission became painfully personal for me. Recently, I lost my best friend, Army Captain Jonathan Frieman, to cancer caused by toxic exposure, specifically from burn pits during his service in Iraq.

Jon was only 35 years old with so much life ahead of him. Just a week before he died, his son Jack turned one year old. Watching someone so young, with so much potential, be taken away far too soon has been absolutely heartbreaking.

Jon was the person everyone leaned on

Jon and I weren’t just friends. We were brothers. We met freshman year in college and went through ROTC together. Even though he joined the Army and I went into the Navy, and we had different experiences while serving, our bond only grew stronger over the years.

From the very first day I met Jon, I knew he was someone special. He had this energy, this presence, that made you want to be better just by being around him. Jon was the person everyone leaned on, the one you could always count on no matter how tough things got. He never thought twice about putting others first. He truly was the best of us, and I can’t even begin to explain how much I’ll miss him every day for the rest of my life.

Unfortunately, Jon’s story is not unique. Many of the Veterans I served with are battling cancers and other diseases caused by toxic exposures during their military service. Too many lives have been cut short because we don’t yet fully understand the impact of these exposures.

MVP will serve future generations of Veterans

That’s why I joined MVP. I believe that MVP can lead the way in researching the health conditions that impact us as Veterans, including long-term effects from toxic exposures related to burn pits. With research already underway looking at cardiovascular disease, different types of cancers, PTSD and many more, MVP can help in understanding the impact of service on our health. 

We need better answers. We need earlier detection, better treatments and a commitment to preventing other Veterans from suffering the same fate as Jon. This is why the work MVP is doing is so important because it has the potential to save lives and protect future generations of Veterans.

If I were speaking to another Veteran today, I’d tell them this. Joining MVP isn’t just about your own health. It’s about all of us. By joining, you’re contributing to a future where Veterans receive better care thanks to the research you help make possible. Your service doesn’t end when you leave the military. It continues through programs like MVP. You’re ensuring that the next generation of Veterans and even our families receive the care and support they need.

I’m proud to be part of MVP because it gives me hope, a hope that we can prevent more losses like Jon’s and that future Veterans won’t have to face these challenges without the answers they need.

I encourage every Veteran to consider joining MVP. It’s a simple way to give back, to contribute to something bigger than ourselves and to ensure that the health challenges unique to Veterans are met with the care and attention they deserve.

Learn more and how to join MVP.