Suicide deaths outpace service deaths

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  • Folded flag at veteran funeral
    Folded flag at veteran funeral
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Hannah Styles

hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com

 

A recent study by Costs of War Project, in an article by the Military Times, found that four times as many troops and vets have died by suicide as in combat.

This distressing fact, sheds light on just what Veterans sacrifice for their country.

The study estimates, 30,177 Global War on Terror veterans have died by suicide, compared to 7,057 who have died while deployed.

The links to suicide are high exposure to trauma — mental, physical, moral, and difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life, according to the report.

“In addition to these factors, it is imperative we also consider the impact of the military’s reliance on guiding principles which overburden individual service members with moral responsibility, or blameworthiness for actions or consequences, over which they have little control,” The Military Times article said.

With the Taliban overtaking Afghanistan, this leaves many Veterans feeling like their sacrifices were for nothing. The terrorist organization took control of major cities in Afghanistan in a matter of days as Afghan security trained by the United States dwindled away, with the U.S. troops scheduled to be all out by the end of August. There are continued efforts in Kabul, to get U.S. citizens and Afghan civilians evacuated, but this is being met with difficulty as the Taliban control checkpoints in and out of the city.

There are several options for Veterans who need support:

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense and the helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647.

The nearest VA Clinic, for local Veterans, is 647 Wayah, St, Franklin, NC 28734, phone number 828-369-1781. If you are unable to travel to the clinic there is an online self-help portal, smartphone apps, and a telemental health program available. If you would like more information visit VA.gov.

Remember you are not alone and we can never thank you enough for your service to our country.