To the Editor:
I am a Vietnam veteran who served as a sanitary inspector with the 1st Cavalry Division. My journey through the war was harrowing. After returning home in 1971, I focused on rebuilding my life. However, the trauma from my service resurfaced during Operation Desert Shield in 1990. For years, I struggled to accept the impact of my experience, even without carrying a weapon. Counseling came and went, but it wasn’t until I sought help through Veterans Affairs after the Covid pandemic that I discovered effective trauma therapy. The support I found there was truly exceptional.
Today, veterans represent about 6% of our nation’s population. According to a Pew Research survey, over half of Americans have a close relative who has served in the military. Yet, many veterans, like me, feel abandoned by our leaders. Despite the heavy toll that war takes on mental health, some politicians remain quiet about the challenges facing our Veterans Affairs services.
The suicide rate among veterans is alarming—over double that of civilians. This raises questions about how our government can address gun violence while failing to invest in mental health support for those who fought for our country. The lack of accessible mental health care exacerbates this crisis.
It’s not just about politics; it’s about the well-being of our nation. Our leaders need to advocate firmly for veterans. We need to back our words of gratitude for service with meaningful action.
James C. Wright
Gladwyne, Pa.
Recent statistics emphasize the urgency of this issue. A report from the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day. Experts highlight that improving mental health services can significantly reduce these numbers, but structural barriers continue to impede access.
Social media platforms are ablaze with discussions about veterans’ mental health services. Hashtags like #VeteransNeedHelp are trending as advocates push for increased awareness and reforms. The dialogue is shifting, as more individuals share personal stories about their battles with mental health following military service, illustrating that this isn’t just a "political issue"—it affects families and communities across America.
As a society, we must prioritize mental health care for our veterans. It’s not just about providing services; it’s about recognizing the sacrifices made and ensuring they receive the support they need to heal. A strong stance from our representatives can inspire critical changes and hopefully reduce the tragic loss of life among our veterans.
To learn more about veterans’ health issues, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness here.
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Source linkUnited States Politics and Government,Veterans,Artificial Intelligence,Federal Aid (US),Federal Budget (US),Mental Health and Disorders,Endangered and Extinct Species,Layoffs and Job Reductions,Musk, Elon,Trump, Donald J
