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This year as we honor those who have put on the uniform on Veterans Day, we must take the time to remember that, for many, their unwavering commitment and dedication to our democracy has come at a cost.
As our longest war in Afghanistan ended after two decades of near constant operations, our veterans, many of whom served multiple tours, are now coping with the physical and psychological aftermath of this service alone.
We have both experienced combat in Afghanistan and Iraq firsthand, and Daniel was twice wounded in action. However, suicide is far more dangerous to our service members and their families than combat.
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing a lengthy backlog due to an influx of benefits claims over the last several years in the wake of the PACT Act and as COVID-19 swept our nation. While the VA catches up, veterans lack the transitional support they need to reintegrate successfully — and some are losing the battle. Every day, about 17 veterans take their own lives, and still more fall through the cracks. To provide the veterans community with the mental health and suicide support they need, we must ensure we understand the gravity of the…
