Meet your instructor

Former US Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth Lou Koon is the founder of Stop Suicide USA (formerly known as Armed Forces Mission).  The Intervene Challenge is SSUSA's training division featuring the Listen Learn Lead model of suicide intervention. Ken (or Lou as some know him) has trained thousands of individuals across the US and internationally utilizing his experience in having conducted more than 2,000 successful suicide interventions in both military and civilian communities. He has been heard internationally as a guest on VOICE AMERICA Radio and is regularly called upon by faith groups, schools, and civic organizations to empower others in the skills that save lives. He is currently the subject of the Safe and Secure Project, a Public Service Announcement developed by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and broadcast in theaters throughout the state. He served on the strategic committee in the development of the State of Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan, and as a consultant of Behavioral Health Link in support of the Georgia Crisis and Access Line. He holds an MDiv in Education and a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling, and completed his clinical training at Piedmont Hospital. 

What Others Say

"Two hours after the training I was sharing with a 23 year old female at risk of suicide. It was as if you were standing there whispering in my ear. Thank you for this incredible training. Eric Furey EMT Peachtree City Fire and Rescue

"Through the Intervene Challenge thousands of caring individuals have gained the skills to courageously intervene for those at risk. I invite you to do the same.  Take the Intervene Challenge." Actor Kevin Sorbo

"The Air Force tells us to do something about suicide. The Intervene Challenge shows us how." Brigadier General Akshai Gandhi Chief of Staff SC Air National Guard

The Intervene Challenge is the movement and Listen Learn Lead is the model that is raising an army of caregivers to be the bridge of hope for thousands that thought all hope was gone."  Sgt Kevin Briggs Author of Guardian of the Golden Gate

" I had the 101st Airborne to take this training. It's that good." Lt General Hubert Smith (Former Commander 101^st Airborne)

"The L3 model works and now hundreds of Police Chiefs and thousands of officers have honed the skills that are essential to helping Veterans and all people in crisis." - Police Chief Janet Moon, Past President Georgia Chiefs Assoc.

"Transformational!  I was able to use the tools that I received in Ken’s class to be a resource to a person that I met the next day in a workshop that I was conducting, on a totally different topic. Take the Challenge!" Carl Sharperson, Jr Author Sharp Leadership

"As a clinician I appreciated how tangible the model is. Ken provides an excellent example for people from all backgrounds to become open to talking about suicide prevention and to feel more empowered to stand with someone going through the darkness of suicidality.' Tara Nichols, APC

"As a licensed marriage and family therapist I appreciated the straightforward, realistic, “no psychobabble” approach in this workshop, and the focus on how as a community we can do something NOW to reduce suicides!" Jill Hastings Storer, PhD