Veterans and their families gathered in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, on September 3, 2023, to raise awareness about suicide prevention among service members. The event featured a poignant ceremony where participants shared personal stories and emphasized the importance of seeking help. In a powerful statement, Doug Witt, a veteran and peer support specialist at NorthKey Community Care, highlighted a prevalent mindset among veterans: “No, I don’t need help because I want to make room for the next veteran.” This illustrates the deep-rooted culture of prioritizing mission and fellow service members over personal well-being.
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. To honor the approximately 660 veterans who die by suicide each month in the United States, the Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition planted 660 flags near the veterans’ memorial in Tower Park. These flags will remain throughout the month as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention and support.
During the event, attendees listened to Matt Smolecki, a retired US Army Military Police officer who served for 20 years. He reflected on the common narrative surrounding veteran suicides, noting that “every story has far too many similar comments.” Smolecki recounted his own struggles with anxiety and post-traumatic stress, explaining that despite never deploying to combat, he faced significant mental health challenges upon retirement. His breakthrough came after he sought help from a psychologist, leading him to the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.
According to Smolecki, the process of confronting his trauma was long and painful, culminating in a 17-page statement detailing his experiences. He expressed the internal conflict many veterans face, saying, “We see it as something we did wrong… Common thoughts, ‘if only I’d been there.’” Such reflections contribute to feelings of worthlessness and suicidal ideation.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs published a suicide prevention report last year, revealing alarming trends among veterans. Fort Thomas City Administrator Matt Kremer, an Army combat veteran himself, attended the ceremony and presented a proclamation declaring September 3, 2023, as Veteran Suicide Prevention Day. He emphasized the burden many veterans carry, stating, “The families deal with this just as bad as those that we’ve lost in battle.”
Deb Winkler, who lost her son Matthew, a Marine Corps veteran, to suicide in 2016, also spoke at the event. Winkler has since become an advocate for suicide prevention, urging others to recognize their value. “We hear you,” she said. “We want you to stay. You are important. You do have a purpose here.” Her message resonated deeply, as she encouraged veterans to seek help and connect with those who care.
James Boyd, a US Army veteran with 14 years of service, shared his perspective on the sense of belonging that military service provides. He noted the stark contrast many veterans feel when transitioning back to civilian life, stating, “Many carry invisible wounds… The cost is heartbreaking. Every day, 22 veterans are lost to suicide.” To put this in perspective, Boyd remarked that losing 22 veterans daily is akin to erasing an entire Major League Baseball team.
Witt emphasized the significance of the 988 hotline, a vital resource for those in crisis. “If you have a veteran in your life, reach out to them. Sit with them. Listen to their stories,” he advised. His call to action underscores the necessity of connection and support within the veteran community.
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, the 988 hotline is available 24/7 for immediate assistance. The Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition continues to work towards raising awareness and providing resources to combat the tragedy of veteran suicide.
