We know lives are on the line when our troops are in action. But we’re learning what happens to them overseas continues to affect them when they come home. Sean Hanna is director of the Military Peer Network for the Texas Veterans Commission. He says, “Decisions have to be made where you’re putting friends and fellow service members in harm’s way. This will have a dramatic effect on an individual’s mind when they return home.”
Eliseo “Al” Cantu, the chairman of the Texas Veterans Commission says as gritty as war movies can be, those who have seen action know the real thing takes a much deeper toll. He explains, “We read and hear our veterans commit suicide almost every day. And sometimes it’s because they think they have no place to turn to.” He adds, “They don’t know the avenues. They don’t know the doors that are available. They don’t know who to contact.”
An annual Veterans Summit is working to improve state aid for our veterans. But the feds are also taking action. Dr. Steve Holliday, the regional chief mental health officer for the Veterans Administration is pleased to see any attention given to suicide prevention. On a 99-0 vote the U.S. Senate passed a plan to beef up outreach and suicide prevention programs for veterans. Dr. Holiday says, “We are pleased to see it adds some funding to help us recruit good psychiatrists to some of our open positions. It’s very challenging in some locations.”
The Texas Veterans Commission say it’s important to give veterans the services they’ve earned. But it’s also clear it’s what they deserve.
