On this #VeteranDay2024, let’s pay tribute to all Veterans by thanking them for their incredible services to our country and recognizing the #mentalhealthchallenges they faced as 22 Veterans die by suicide every day. 

Listen to a retired Marine Corps Pilot Garret Biss’s powerful #TedTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT00fqYHHp8

One of our WAVES members who has a veteran family member shared their thoughts after watching Garret’s TedTalk: 

“…His personal journey and the rawness with which he discusses the challenges of reintegration into civilian life shed light on a reality that is often overlooked: the profound sense of loss veterans experience when they leave the service. It highlights the painful paradox that while veterans have been trained to face extreme challenges on the battlefield, they are rarely equipped with the tools to face the emotional and psychological battles that come with reintegration. The heightened suicide rates and mental health struggles among veterans are not simply a consequence of combat trauma, but also of a broader societal failure to recognize and address the existential crises that many veterans face after their service ends. What stands out in Garret’s reflection is the notion of reclaiming connection, authenticity, and meaning. His message is powerful: veterans need support, understanding, and resources not just for their physical injuries, but for their emotional and psychological needs as well. Mental health care must be holistic, acknowledging the unique struggles veterans face in transitioning from one world to another. Garret’s talk serves as both a call to action and a reminder that the battle is not over when the uniform comes off. The journey toward healing requires patience, community, and most importantly, a sense of purpose”.

May your day be filled with the respect, appreciation, and celebration that you truly deserve. You are heroes today and every day.