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 more than 27,000 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

"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

“Ken Koon is our go to resource in training our Community Care Team and we proudly host the Intervene Challenge for all in our community to gain the skills that save lives.  Churches on mission to have an impact will greatly benefit from this world class training.” John Hobbs, Pastoral Care Crossroads Church

"The Air Force tells us to do something about suicide. Ken Koon's 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."  Kevin Briggs Author of Guardian of the Golden Gate

"As a result of Chaplain Koon’s L3 Training I had the 101st Airborne to do the same. Those that want to make a difference in reducing suicide would be well served by taking the Intervene Challenge and learning the L3 model." Lt General Hubert Smith (Former Commander 101^st Airborne)

"It is not hyperbole when I say the Intervene Challenge is the most impactful professional learning I have encountered in my 20-year career. I left the training a different person, equipped with the skills to save a life." Dr. Michael Duncan School Superintendent

"Ken’s 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