Veterans Suicide Research Paper

Words: 1231
Pages: 5

From the time America won its independence in the late 18th century, to the fight to stop the spread of communism in the 20th century, the military has been the backbone of our country. These brave and courageous men and women have fought hard for the freedom and safety of each and everyone of the citizens in the United States. However, when veterans return home from deployment, they often experience many different aspects of life that others do not realize. This causes them to lose the quality of life that so many other Americans enjoy. In some cases these veterans do not receive the medical and emotional care they need to get better from the struggles of the job, even though they put their life on the line for their country. To make America …show more content…
With nowhere to turn, many enter into a state of depression, become addicted to drugs, experience severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and in severe cases some commit suicide. One statistic shows that “... an average of 20 veterans die by suicide each day. Only six are users of VA services” (Edgar). In addition, “18-to-29-year-old veterans have very high rates of suicide...At the same time, we also know that out of all veteran suicides, 65 percent are over the age of 50” (Edgar). The people who fight for our country are so scarred and unsupported by the VA that these military men and women are driven to suicide. Events like this can be prevented with more support by the VA, so that the servicemen and women have someone to talk to about the difficulties that they are …show more content…
This quote exemplifies how important it is that the United States government takes action to protect and care for our veterans. As a veteran, they have much pride in being a member of the United States Armed Forces. Many join the military to provide for their families, to gain an education, and to simply serve their country (Hagerty) (Jordon). Many service men and women from the beginning are promised an education and, if they have kids, the opportunity for their kids to have an education under the GI Bill post 9/11. The post 9/11 GI Bill is a bill that gives education benefits for service men and women, their spouses, and dependents (Department of Veteran Affairs). In addition the Yellow Ribbon Program and similar programs help to provide veterans with an opportunity to further their education (Department of Veteran Affairs). These programs and bills are an example of what needs to be in occurrence with the disability claims and taking care of the health of veterans. If these kinds of programs were put into place and used effectively the problem that has arisen from discrepancies with disability claims would be less