1° of Separation Brings Comedy-Based Suicide Prevention Training to New Jersey Air National Guard's Legendary "Jersey Devils" F-16 Fighter Wing

ATLANTIC CITY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.J., Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1° of Separation, the nonprofit delivering comedy-based suicide prevention training across the U.S. military, will present to the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, known as the "Jersey Devils," a storied F-16 Fighting Falcons unit with a proud combat legacy and high operational tempo. With its 119th Fighter Squadron, one of the oldest fighter squadrons in the U.S. Air Force, their vision is clear: "Mission Ready Airmen, Anytime, Anywhere."

"Being the Jersey Devils means carrying both pride and pressure," said Brad Bonar Jr., comedian and founder of 1° of Separation. "Comedy breaks down walls, Once people are laughing, they're ready to talk about the stuff that matters — depression, suicide, the hard conversations most people avoid. That's where prevention begins, and it's an honor to bring that kind of training to such a legendary unit."

1° of Separation was built on the belief that laughter can break down walls and open the door to serious conversations about mental health. Each training begins with live stand-up comedy to lower defenses, followed by candid peer-led discussion and the introduction of the "Five Questions" Mental Health First Aid tool, a simple, practical method for recognizing warning signs and supporting those in crisis.

1° of Separation's program has been officially recognized across almost all branches of the U.S. military, replacing traditional "death by PowerPoint" trainings with live stand-up comedy, peer-led conversations, and the "Five Questions" Mental Health First Aid tool. The approach has already reached thousands of service members at installations worldwide.

The Jersey Devils' presentation will take place at their home in the Pine Barrens — a region steeped in folklore as the birthplace of the "Jersey Devil" legend — a symbol the fighter wing proudly carries.

About 1° of Separation: 1 Degree of Separation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides suicide prevention training with a comedic twist. Founded in 2019 by comedian Brad Bonar Jr., the organization's mission is to reduce stigma and save lives by fostering honest conversations about depression and suicide. 1° of Separation combines stand-up comedy with vital Mental Health First Aid education, creating an engaging and safe space where audiences can laugh while learning how to support those in need. Its innovative training show – "A Funny Look at Depression and Suicide" – has reached thousands across more than 15 U.S. states, and internationally to U.S. military installations. Participants leave equipped with practical tools like the program's signature "Five Questions" card, which encourages open and non-judgmental dialogues about mental health.

1° of Separation has been featured in national and regional media outlets such as PBS NewsHour, KCRA News, Capital Public Radio, and military press, and was a keynote speaker at the 2023 DoD/VA Suicide Prevention Conference. By using humor, personal stories, and the 5 Questions, 1° of Separation aims to inspire hope and humanize mental health struggles, fostering resilience in individuals and communities—one laugh at a time. 

SOURCE 1° of Separation