Why Veteran Advocacy Matters to Me...and Should Matter to You
Coming from a strong military family, service has always been part of my identity. Traditional enlistment was not an option for me, even after taking the ASVAB, due to medical barriers from a childhood disease. I chose a different path through technology, using it to advocate for veterans and amplify their stories and needs. I began with few expectations, but a clear belief: those who have protected our home and freedoms deserve our support; without it, there is no home.
The need is measurable and urgent. In 2023, 6,398 veterans, (about 18/day) took their lives, with higher rates among younger veterans and women. Among post-9/11 veterans, 11% to 20% experience PTSD in a given year, with 20% being Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This is alongside elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. More than 60% were not in VA care in the year prior to death.
Housing instability remains a serious issue, with about 32,000 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night, despite a decline of over 50% since 2010.
Long-term health impacts persist: roughly 25% to 35% of veterans receiving VA benefits have a service-connected disability, and more than 3.5 million receive compensation. The PACT Act expanded care eligibility to millions exposed to toxic environments like burn pits.
Transition challenges are common: about 40% report early employment difficulties, and 1 in 3 struggle to access consistent healthcare. Yet veterans continue to contribute significantly, owning about 1.9 million businesses that generate nearly $1 trillion annually and support over 5 million jobs.
The measure of a society is what it does after the uniform comes off. Support for veterans is not charity; it is a sustained commitment to ensure the cost of service is never carried alone.
If you or a veteran you know needs support, help is available 24/7. Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
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