Veterans need everyone to stand by them. No matter who you are, you can help make a difference.
I recently saw this photo and wanted to share it with everyone. Veterans deserve the best but are currently experiencing ridiculously high rates of suicide. Every day 18 veterans kill themselves. Yes, you read that right – 18 of our countries greatest warriors die at their own hands each day. This is unacceptable.
If you know a veteran, reach out to them. Check in on them. Thank them for what they did for our country. Don’t be satisfied with regurgitating “Thanks for your service.” Instead, take the time to understand what they went through, what they’re going through now, and how you may be able to help. Trust me, serving is a life-changing experience. If you know a vet, it is our responsibility to make sure their service becomes a source of strength rather than a source of pain and suffering.
They served for us, now it’s time to serve for them. Are you up to the challenge?
Thank you for posting this. I’ve only been in the Air Force for about 7 years and I’ve already 2 friends to suicide. It’s an overwhelming feeling for sure.
Sorry to hear that. I have had a few friends affected as well and is definitely overwhelming. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Reblogged this on Homecoming and commented:
Good to see this issue finally becoming a mainstream topic. Why do we as a society wait until after tragedies to address issues though? Suicides have been on the rise since 2003 but it took a record breaking number of them in a year for the topic to become mainstream. The parallel with it taking the slaughter of children and their teachers to discuss how to treat mental illness and gun control measures is obvious. As a vet I am grateful that this may now get the attention it deserves. As a citizen I am bewildered as to why our society is failing to use foresight so we could prevent tragedies from occurring rather than after the fact.
Couldn’t agree more, Sean. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!