A Veterans’ Day Message

For many veterans—including those who served on land, air, and sea in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places that many will never know—we have endured and persevered through the most stressful times while missing our loved ones back home. We’ve lost our comrades-in-arms through combat, training accidents, unfortunate circumstances, and Mother Nature. We often carry the burden and guilt of doing what our nation asked of us, all while missing the births, first steps, and first words of our children. We feel we neglected our spouses and those we cared about most. Years later, our once-unassailable bonds with squad mates, platoon mates, company mates, shipmates, and squadron mates still dance in our minds. Even as we move on in years and gain distance from our time in uniform, we maintain the sacred duty of caring for one another.

It is said that twenty-two veterans commit suicide each day. Isolation, loneliness, an inability to see goodness through the dense fog, guilt, and depression play a major role in the lives of so many veterans. It is time to shake off those shackles that have held us down for years. We can support and thrive together through group counseling, individual counseling, veteran social groups, or reaching out to old battle buddies. In the 16 years since I left the Marine Corps, I’ve sought mental healthcare many times. There is no shame in what keeps you stable and whole.

To my brothers and sisters fighting the invisible enemy: I implore you to reach out to a friend, family member, fellow veterans, the VA, and other services available in the community. Whether you reach out at 0200 tonight or on Christmas morning, thousands of other veterans, caregivers, and I will be there with you in your darkest moments. Mission success is no longer about capturing a hill; it is about tucking everyone into bed safely each night.

Semper Fi –

Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Cox, US Marine Corps (Retired)

988

__________________________________

VA – Mental Health

__________________________________

Wounded Warrior Mental Health Services

__________________________________

RAND Resource List

__________________________________

MHAM Local Resource List