Honor Soldiers Who Die By Suicide
Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among soldiers. And last year, more military service members died by suicide than were killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan. As a grateful nation, our response to this near-epidemic is critical.
But unlike the families of service men and women who die in combat or war zones, families of soldiers who die by suicide don't receive letters of condolence from the President -- even though the distress behind veterans' suicidal behavior is often a direct consequence of the trauma they experienced during their service.
The lives and contributions of all the brave men and women who die as a consequence of serving their country should be honored.
Tell President Obama to sign letters of condolence to the families of veterans who have died by suicide.
Dear President Obama,
Our nation faces a critical challenge as we welcome our troops back from war. After bravely risking their lives for our country, these heroes and their families often return to strained relationships, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our response as a grateful nation is critical, and there is a near epidemic of suicides among our Armed Forces.
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Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among soldiers. Last year, more military service members died by suicide than were killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are 18 completed suicides each day and an average of 950 suicide attempts each month by veterans. Often times, the distress and despair behind the suicidal behavior of veterans are a direct consequence of the trauma they have experienced during their service.
Currently, the families of the service men and women who have died by suicide do not receive letters of condolence from the President; however, the families of those who die in combat or in war zones do. We believe the lives and contributions all of the brave men and women who have died as a consequence of serving their country should be honored.
Help us end the stigma of mental health conditions and get veterans' families the recognition they deserve. Change the current policy and sign letters of condolence to the families of veterans who die by suicide.
