Last week, I had the distinct honor and privilege to provide opening remarks at the Pulaski AMVETS Post 50 Veterans Suicide Awareness Walk. I sincerely appreciated the invitation from the Post Commander and the opportunity to address attendees about a topic that is very serious and important to me. I would like to use this week’s column to bring additional attention to this matter of grave concern.
The unfortunate reality is that veterans are at a much higher risk of suicide than civilians. The causes for this vary, but in addition to trauma experienced on the battlefield, other factors can include mental health conditions, substance abuse and difficulty with reintegration into civilian life after military separation. All in all, veterans’ suicide is driven by a feeling of isolation and a lack of connectedness to resources that could provide immediate help.
I have served in our Armed Forces for over two decades, and I have been overseas on four separate deployments to the Middle East. When members of the Armed Forces finish our tours of duty, it is truly hard to flip a switch and act as if nothing ever happened while deployed. We do not even have to have been deployed overseas or have experienced combat to struggle with reintegration into civilian life. Many of us know a fellow veteran who has committed suicide due to these feelings that are hard for anyone outside of military service to fully understand.
However, there are resources available to veterans that can help address nearly every difficulty they may experience. In addition to assistance provided by the U.S. Veterans Administration, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services offers peer support, connections to behavioral health professionals, and military transition and employment services. Additionally, Veterans Service Organizations, such as AMVETS, VFWs, American Legions and others are terrific assets filled with resources and peer support. And most importantly, veterans’ fellow brothers and sisters in arms may be the best resource yet. I often engage with my fellow veterans by meeting up for “buddy checks” where we can simply touch base and talk about whatever is on our minds, whether it be service-related or otherwise.
If there is one takeaway it should be that there is always hope, there are always people and institutions that are ready and willing to help our amazing veterans, and veterans should never hesitate to talk to someone if they think they might need just a little bit of help. Members of our Armed Forces signed up to serve our wonderful country in a selfless display of love and devotion. It is up to all of us to ensure that those who have passed are remembered, and that those who are still with us receive all of the support they deserve for their dedication to preserving freedom, liberty, and the American way of life.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
