Members of the American Maverick Brotherhood gather at a local restaurant each week to support one another and provide peer support for those who are struggling with mental health issues. The group participates in community events, holds activities throughout the local area and provides a safe, confidential location for men to come together and talk. (Submitted photo)

EAST LIVERPOOL – Army veteran Mike Wayner knows first-hand what it’s like to deal with mental health issues. After completing four deployments overseas, Wayner struggled with PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. But he was reluctant to say that he was having a difficult time because admitting it made him feel weak and unworthy.

“As men, we’re taught that it shows weakness if you speak up because you have problems.” Wayner said. But he was determined to find a way to help himself and other men in the community who fight with similar issues.

In February 2024, he formed an informal support group for men with the sole purpose of talking, sharing and supporting one another. At the beginning, the small group met at Tim Horton’s in Calcutta. Over the course of a year, they grew and organized a 501(c)3 non-profit, the American Maverick Brotherhood.

Their logo, a black circle with a green semi-colon in the center, represents their mission. Each part of the logo is significant.

“The green is a nod to mental health and the semi-colon signifies that your story isn’t over. It means that there’s always a way to change your path,” Wayner said. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Wayner has experienced some low points in his life but he has persisted and now dedicates his spare time to helping others in similar situations. “Demons like to play with you,” he noted, “but I’ve learned to make peace with mine. I have my bad days and that’s when I reach out to my brothers. If someone has a bad day, we meet up. Nine times out of ten, if we listen to them talk, it helps a lot.”

Wayner credits his father for planting the seed for the group. Each time Wayner returned from deployment, his dad encouraged him to open up and talk.

“My father always told me if I didn’t get it out, it would eat me alive or worse. I didn’t really think anything about it at the time, until it started happening to me,” he said.

The American Maverick Brotherhood is not a professional organization. They are simply a group of men who spend time together through enjoying activities like shared meals, fishing and participating in community events. But through it all, they talk. Being there for one another and for others in need is their number one priority.

“A lot of people don’t want to go to a psychiatrist but they will gather and talk with others in a safe and confidential environment,” Wayner said. He admits he has had issues trusting people but that has improved through interaction with men who face similar issues.

“It’s really made a difference for me. I don’t get as upset as fast and I’m starting to trust people,” Wayner said.

American Maverick Brotherhood participated in several local activities since forming a little over a year ago. This year, they have plans to expand their community outreach to include the homeless, veterans who don’t have families and others who need a listening ear. They’re planning fishing trips, picnics and other outdoor activities.

The group is expanding its network of community resources so they can provide referrals to resources like medical care, temporary housing and mental health services, One group member is also riding with local police officers at night to support people with mental health needs.

The American Maverick Brotherhood meets regularly at Some Place Else in Wellsville. Anyone who wants more information about the group may call 330-402-4498 or email americanmaverickbrotherhood@gmail.com.