A perspective of why, Wes Anderson, US Navy Veteran walks in the 5K Heroes Silkies Walk:

Veteran suicide is a growing issue and is a crisis that can only be improved through recognition and discussion in society. However, one part of the story is that it is rarely recognized and how deep its history goes. This problem is not limited to a single country or point in time, nor is its importance limited to awareness days. Military suicide has occurred for centuries around the world but has most often been overlooked or ignored. It is a difficult and uncomfortable topic.

Veteran suicide is a growing issue and is a crisis that can only be improved through recognition and discussion in society. However, one part of the story is that it is rarely recognized and how deep its history goes. This problem is not limited to a single country or point in time, nor is its importance limited to awareness days. Military suicide has occurred for centuries around the world but has most often been overlooked or ignored. It is a difficult and uncomfortable topic. To save futures lives and pay respect to those who took their own lives, that history must be researched, acknowledged, and debated. We must not forget the women veterans. The issue of suicide among women veterans is complex. Women in the military may deal with a complicated trauma history as well as greater scrutiny of their emotional state and mental health. Women veterans face similar emotional and physical issues as their male counterparts, and must not be overlooked.

Veterans suicide, as I see it, is a pandemic, the same as Covid, without all the press coverage. The numbers break down to this, 22 per day, 154 a week 8008 per year. How can we cure this pandemic? There is no fast cure, no vaccine. There are phone numbers and outreach facilities, and other ways to help combat this pandemic. The big question is how to get this information out to the Veterans in need. How do we help them in their time of need?

We, as a community, have a moral obligation to see that all men and women veterans have a wrap around response to combat this pandemic. This pandemic that has taken veterans from their friends and families and from our community. These deaths have taken their toll on everyone.

The unanswered questions are:

What could we have done?

How could we have prevented it?

What are the signs?

We, as a communit, must find the answers to these questions! We, as a community, must implement the solutions. It is commuunties responsibility to respond to our Nation's Heroes who sacrificed on your behalf. We, as a community, need to look deep and say what can. I do to help.

Heroes Walk & Community Fair

Register online: www.heroeshomestead.org