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Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, more than 3.3 million veterans have served in uniform, with less than 1% of the American population serving during any given year. 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, but less than 50% of veterans are enrolled in VA healthcare, making it imperative for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to change their outreach strategy so veterans receive the health care and benefits they earned and deserve.

An estimated 41% of veterans are in need of mental health care programs every year. Mental health and suicide among veterans is a complicated problem to tackle. There’s no one cause and no one solution. But we do know we need to be more proactive. VA reports have found that veterans are most vulnerable in the first three months following separation from military service, although suicide risk “remains elevated for years after the transition.”

Legislation like the Hannon Act (2020) was an important step toward supporting veterans’ mental health care needs, but there is still much to be done.

In this article, we will discuss:

What are the most common mental health challenges for veterans in 2024?

The most common mental health challenges for veterans are post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Mental health issues can affect every aspect of a veteran’s life. In a 2022 study, 38% of veterans had a code on their medical record for a common mental health disorder. This number does not include undiagnosed mental health conditions, which means the actual number is likely much higher.

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a condition that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a tragic or traumatizing event. More than a million veterans have been deployed to combat zones since 2001, and according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 15% of military personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan experience post-traumatic stress each year. 23% of veterans using VA care have had PTS at some point in their lives.

A JAMA Psychiatry study found that the rate of post-traumatic stress is up to 15 times higher among veterans than among civilians. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and physical symptoms.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also impact mental health among veterans.

Military service members and veterans can experience brain injury from explosions during combat or training exercises. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) reported more than 400,000 TBIs among U.S. service members who served since 2000, and more than 185,000 veterans who use the VA for their health care have been diagnosed with at least one TBI.

TBI can cause conditions like headaches, irritability, sleep disorders and depression and can play a major role in veterans’ mental health.

Veterans also struggle with anxiety and depression.

Veterans are five times more likely to experience major depression than civilians, and 3 in 10 veterans with TBI have depression. This can manifest in substance abuse disorders, including alcohol abuse. Some veterans use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate after trauma. Ten percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans treated by the VA have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

What is the Hannon Act, and how does it impact veterans’ mental health?

The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement (Hannon) Act expands mental health care options for veterans through grant programs and and suicide prevention programs, especially in underserved communities.

The Hannon Act was inspired by the service of Commander John Scott Hannon, who retired after a decorated 23-year career with the Navy SEALs. Commander Hannon died by suicide on February 25, 2018, at the age of 46.

The Hannon Act includes:

Congress passed the Hannon Act on August 5, 2020, and President Donald Trump signed the Hannon Act into law on October 17, 2020.

But there is still more work to be done. More than two years after the Hannon Act was passed, for example, the veteran suicide hotline reached its highest-ever number of calls received. This could be because more veterans are comfortable reaching out for help. More likely, however, is that crisis cases are simply increasing.

It’s not enough to simply set money aside. The VA must take an active role in getting funding for mental health programs to the right people, making sure it is accessible to the nonprofits, businesses and community organizations that are on the front lines of veteran care.

What is the Fox Grant and how does it impact veterans’ mental health?

The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, or Fox Grant, is a part of the Hannon Act. The Fox Grant allocates funding for “on the ground” community organizations that offer traditional and nontraditional suicide prevention to veterans and their families.

The Fox Grant provided a total of $174 million in resources over three years to veteran-supported community organizations nationwide. The first awards were issued in September 2022, and its final year of funding is FY25.  

The Fox Grants have been very successful, but MRC advocates for the FOX Grant program to be permanently authorized beyond FY25 with a more robust appropriation.  

Some regulatory changes are needed if the program gets permanently authorized. First, there should be a longer application window for grants. Second, reporting requirements should be tailored to ensure that smaller, valuable organizations can keep up with the workload required by VA.

Additionally, $174 million is only a fraction of the VA’s overall budget for Mental Health, and an anemic percentage of the 2025 total VA budget request of $369 billion. The VA should make veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention its number one overall priority, not just its number one clinical priority. Community organizations are a critical part of addressing this. 

As previously mentioned, less than half of veterans in the United States are enrolled in VA care. Some don’t use VA because they have private insurance, others fear going to the VA after all the horror stories they’ve heard, or refuse to use it after a bad experience. Community organizations, particularly in rural areas, may have connections to the veteran community the VA will simply never have.

Additionally, many of the grants have gone to larger organizations. In 2022, for example, 80 Fox Grant awards went to healthcare corporations and state-level organizations.

Smaller organizations often have the ability to form the closest relationships with veterans, and in some cases, they are more likely to know the needs of a specific area or community. And smaller organizations do not typically have as many options for procuring financial support for their programming.

Why is the suicide rate higher among veterans?

The latest VA figures, from 2021, show there were roughly 17 veteran suicides per day, or 6,392 a year; veterans commit suicide at a 57% higher rate than nonveteran adults.

The number of veteran suicides might be even higher than that. One study found that the rate of suicide among veterans could be as much as 37% higher than the numbers reported by the VA.

There are still systemic issues with the VA’s handling of suicide prevention. According to a Mission Roll Call survey, 53% of Americans believe the federal government has “not been very effective” in dealing with suicide among veterans. And 47% believe the government has not been very effective in dealing with transition to civilian life. Tellingly, among Americans who know a service member, those numbers are higher.

The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 helpline (telephone, text messages and online chat) for veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health. But in September 2023, the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a “damning” report of how a suicidal veteran was handled by crisis line staff in 2021. The veteran took their own life minutes after their call to the crisis line ended.

OIG found that the crisis line worker failed to transfer the text conversation to a phone call, contact third-party rescue personnel, or confirm that a family member successfully intervened in the patient’s efforts to commit suicide. The suicide prevention program case manager only contacted the sheriff’s department the next day to request a welfare check. By then, it was too late.

This is just one example of the ways current programs are too reactionary. Outreach and funding to local organizations need to dramatically increase in order to catch veterans at a much earlier point in their spiraled crisis.

The risk factors for veteran suicide, in some ways, look similar to the risk factors for nonveterans: financial stress, substance abuse, mental health diagnosis, problems in a romantic relationship, and unemployment. But there’s one additional critical factor among veterans – an abrupt and often overwhelming loss of community and identity.

There is no uniform “exit strategy” for a veteran transitioning to civilian life.

Many veterans are not prepared for the feelings of loss that come when they are ripped away from the only community they have known for years. Military service touches all aspects of life, from housing to healthcare to social life. When you transition from the military, you don’t just leave your job and your salary. You often leave your house, your city, your friends and your purpose. When you add post-traumatic stress from deployment and combat, it can be a difficult transition. 

The best way to combat mental health struggles that come from a loss of community is for community to step in. This is why community organizations that understand and address veterans’ issues are so important.

How can we support veterans’ mental health?

Doctor’s appointments, disability benefits and reskilling aren’t enough to tackle the mental health challenges veterans are experiencing. The Department of Defense and the VA need to fundamentally change the way they approach veteran mental health by taking a more holistic approach to the problem. This starts with being more proactive in addressing the issue.

1. Advocate for all veterans, whether or not they’re using the VA.

Only 45% of the 18 million veterans in the country use the VA. The best way to tackle the issue of suicide and mental health among veterans is by advocating for policies that provide services to veterans, whether or not they’re engaged with VA services. That’s why policies that fund community organizations that work with veterans are so important.

Mission Roll Call shares stories and news about policies that affect veterans. We also take the views, experiences and insights shared by our veterans and deliver them directly to our leaders in order to speak unfiltered, accurate truth and enact positive change. If you are a veteran or active duty service member or family member, make your voice heard by participating in our monthly polls. 

2. Increase collaboration between government and military branches.

Preventing veteran suicide requires more collaboration among the VA, various branches of the military and the Department of Defense. They still have a lot of joint work to do on meaningful transition assistance and things like electronic health record management to make reintegration into civilian life as seamless as possible.

Veteran suicide should be the top priority for the VA. One way this can be achieved is for the Office of Suicide Prevention to be a direct report to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and not housed under the Office of Mental Health.

3. Support meaningful, local connections.

The more we empower community organizations to go find veterans and to work with them, the more we are able to replace connections that were lost after they transitioned out of the military.

Every year, Mission Roll Call visits geographically diverse, veteran-heavy communities across America. We polled veterans in these communities beforehand and were able to compare places like Dallas that had high approval ratings with places like Los Angeles that had low ones. We found that in areas like Dallas, VA officials, nonprofits, and for-profit companies routinely left their facilities to interact with veterans in their communities. They had networks of highly motivated individuals who would find veterans in need and connect them with the appropriate resources.

We can’t wait for veterans to ask for help. Veteran support organizations need to be proactively engaging and getting to know veterans in order to address any small struggles before they become big ones.

4. Spread the word.

Small but effective organizations may not be aware of grant opportunities that exist. The VA needs to invest resources in targeted awareness of these grant opportunities — especially to the communities that their notice claims to prioritize.

Ensuring the application window is long enough for organizations to sustainably and effectively complete all requirements — and that the organizations have an awareness of these kinds of opportunities — will help promote parity among applicants and put necessary funding into diverse veterans communities in need.

Reach out to your representative in Congress and encourage them to advocate for the veterans in your area.

5. Reach out to veterans.

Members of the community have a vital role to play in supporting veteran mental health. But according to a Mission Roll Call survey, only 35% of American civilians know a veteran, and 13% know someone currently in the military.

There are a number of ways to volunteer with veterans in your community and become part of the support network veterans need. Reach out to organizations in your community.

Mission Roll Call has had the privilege of sitting down to hear from many veteran nonprofit organizations, including America’s Warrior Partnership, Black Ops Rescue, Boulder Crest Foundation, Honor Flight Network and more. Find an organization you can help (through donations, advocacy or volunteering) on Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Nonprofit’s list.

Get to know the veterans in your community. It might save their lives.

Conclusion

Congress and the VA have made strides in the right direction toward preventing veteran suicide, but the job is not done until every veteran has access to the resources they need to save their lives.

Not all wounds are visible. Military personnel can be exposed to an array of potentially traumatizing experiences that can impact them for years and decades in the future. With more than four in ten veterans in need of mental health care programs, we need proactive government and community involvement to heal our veterans.

Mission Roll Call will continue to advocate for meaningful legislation, not just so that all veterans have access to quality care, but that this care actually reaches them. 

Veterans in need of emergency counseling can reach the Veterans Crisis line by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and selecting option 1.

The immense value of military service is not always reflected in veterans’ experiences upon leaving the military. They often face problems related to difficulties in transitioning from military life to civilian life, which can involve navigating complex bureaucracy to accessing benefits; the effects of traumatic or moral injuries; and systemic gaps in mental health services.

Veterans’ common stressors can impact family, social, and professional relationships.

To make matters worse, many civilians may not be aware of or fully understand these unique issues. 

Mission Roll Call aims to give veterans a unified voice on issues that matter to them. Through online polls, in-person outreach across the country, and social media, we identify and highlight the unique needs of our country’s veterans to encourage greater support from legislators and among communities.

Here are the seven most common challenges U.S. veterans face:

  1. Difficulties Transitioning From Active Duty to Civilian Life
  2. Experiencing PTS and Gaps in Mental Health Support
  3. Missing the Camaraderie, Community, and Purpose Found While Serving
  4. Access to Benefits for Underserved Veterans
  5. Lack of Proper Transportation for Disabled Veterans
  6. Homelessness
  7. Being Confronted with Veteran Stereotypes in Entertainment and Civilian Life

1. Difficulties Transitioning From Active Duty to Civilian Life

What difficulties do veterans face when transitioning from the military?

An estimated 250,000 men and women leave or retire from U.S. military service and return to civilian life each year. As of 2023, there were a reported 17.9 million former service members in the U.S. In transitioning to civilian life, navigating the VA healthcare system, finding affordable housing, and applying for jobs can present difficult challenges.

According to a Mission Roll Call poll, 85% of veterans said they felt the military transition assistance program did not prepare them well for leaving military service.

When on active duty, service members receive food and housing assistance along with comprehensive healthcare. The process of securing a job that allows them to provide for their families in the same way and assures the same kind of financial security in a new phase of life is not easy, especially for those with a service-connected disability.

Veterans can experience social and relational challenges with family and friends post-service as well. Shifting from service-related responsibilities to the demands of civilian life and new work environments is a distinct journey that others are not usually able to relate to.

The VA’s Transition Assistance Program, known as TAP, provides tools, information, and resources to service members and their loved ones to help prepare them for the transition to civilian life. Yet its broad approach to aiding veterans is not sufficient preparation in many cases.

Veteran feedback published in the Journal of Veterans Studies underscores this.

Its 2020 article exploring what a successful transition model could look like notes that more attention should be given to adjusting to “new work/educational/cultural settings, meeting family transition needs, financial management issues, procuring housing, dealing with trauma responses, or assuring that veterans truly obtain the benefits and support they need.”

Simply put, veterans would benefit from clear, comprehensive roadmaps and support for this significant life change. The VA must enhance its initiatives and programs to effectively prepare veterans.

2. Experiencing PTS and Gaps in Mental Health Support

Do veterans experience post-traumatic stress at higher rates than non-veterans?

Service members can be exposed to combat and non-combat situations that can negatively impact their mental health. This, along with systemic gaps in mental health care, can cause veterans to experience post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms at higher rates than civilians.

PTS has come to be known as the “signature wound” of veterans of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) in particular. The VA reports that 15% of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) – in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively – have experienced PTS symptoms in the past year, and 29% of veterans from these wars will experience PTS at some point in life. Part of the reason is that the GWOT saw a rise in improvised explosive devices (IED) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can elevate the risk of PTS and other mental health challenges.

For instance, an estimated 22% of all OIF and OEF combat wounds were brain injuries, which have been associated with issues such as memory loss, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The high rates of PTS among veterans have also been connected to concerning rates of veteran suicides — though it’s only one of many issues that can contribute to self-harm or suicidal ideation.

For instance, Brown University’s 2021 Costs of War Project found that a significant number of GWOT veterans who have died by suicide did not all serve in combat roles. This suggests that the circumstances leading to their death went beyond the common dangers associated with war and could have been attributed to factors like moral wounds, mental health stigmas, and issues in military culture.

Additionally, there are systemic healthcare gaps that can prevent veterans from getting the care and support they need for PTS and other mental health conditions. RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research data shows that less than half of veterans in need of mental health services receive treatment, and less than one-third of those who do are getting proper evidence-based care.

The Biden administration announced in 2023 that veterans in suicidal crisis can now receive free emergency medical care at any VA or private care facility, even if they aren’t enrolled in the VA system.

This new policy is a step in the right direction. However, no veteran should get to that point. It will take greater coordinated efforts between Congress and the VA to address gaps in veteran mental health care and ensure veterans can receive quality care in a timely manner. Reducing appointment wait times, fixing disparities in rural communities, and expanding community care provisions should be at the forefront of that agenda.

3. Missing the Camaraderie, Community, and Purpose Found While Serving

Do veterans lose their sense of purpose once they leave the military?

Though veteran experiences are wide-ranging and not narrowly defined, transitioning from the military can be one of the most challenging life changes for an individual and family. Many service members have a sense of identity,  purpose, and camaraderie wrapped up in being part of the military, and it’s easy for that to feel strained or lost once they leave.

The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) surveyed 10,149 military and veteran families for its 2023 report on their quality of life and support. More than 59% of military and veteran families reported experiencing feelings of loneliness – an increase from 2021’s survey. Fewer than one in five veterans still felt they had a connection to military life.

 

The unique experiences associated with leaving the military can impact service members in several ways. On one hand, there are practical challenges like securing employment, housing, and healthcare benefits, along with social factors that can make this change jarring and complex for veterans. Then there are the socio-emotional shifts: Veterans may find themselves without a sense of purpose and feeling detached from their military community. This can exacerbate the practical difficulties of adjusting to life after service, making it harder to cope with the changes. The military also provides structure that’s not often found in other work environments.

A VA-funded study on veteran social connectedness and its links to depression found that “among five forms of social connectedness, loneliness was tied to the highest levels of depression and suicide ideation, or thoughts of committing suicide. Loneliness was also associated with the lowest levels of patient efforts to manage their health and to seek help.”

In improving assistance for veterans transitioning to civilian life, adequate focus should be placed on the socio-emotional aspects of this major life change. The VA and veteran service organizations should look toward implementing effective ways to foster support systems for service members — such as community initiatives, mentoring, and connection groups — as they shift to this new chapter.

4. Access to Benefits for Underserved Veterans

What challenges do veterans face in accessing their benefits?

More than four million veterans reside in rural communities across the country. Of the more than 18 million United States veterans, nearly a quarter of them – 4.4 million – live in rural areas. 

Access to all types of care is important for rural veterans especially because many rural veterans are at an advanced age, with 54% age 65 or older. Additionally, rural veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart conditions. These conditions require more frequent, ongoing, and costly care.

Among rural veterans are another underserved group – Indigenous veterans, who serve in the U.S. military at higher rates than any other group. There are an estimated 160,000 Indigenous American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native veterans in the United States, and about 39% live in rural areas. 

According to the VA, tribal veterans are more likely to lack health insurance and have a disability – service-related or otherwise. Additionally, Native American health is disproportionately worse than other racial groups in the U.S., with extremely high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 

Providing comprehensive, high-quality care to underserved veterans is a challenge, leading to further health disparities among these communities.

In transitioning to civilian life, veterans can experience significant challenges when navigating the complexities of VA benefits, particularly as it relates to the VA healthcare system.

Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Lifestyle survey found respondents named access to military/VA health care systems as one of their top concerns.

Nearly half of all veterans are unaffiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a veteran service organization. One of these reasons is because, for many, VA facilities are backlogged or far away. 

The VA’s Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, does not adequately prepare veterans for the complexities of securing benefits nor the current pitfalls of VA care, such as long wait times and disparities in rural areas.

In fact, an April 2022 audit from the VA department’s inspector general found data on VA healthcare facilities was being reported inconsistently and in a way that conceals true wait times. And a February 2023 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that veterans living in rural areas often face unique barriers to accessing mental health care largely due to “staff shortages in rural facilities and transportation issues.”

There have been a few promising legislative steps in recent years. The VA expanded benefits eligibility to over 3.5 million veterans after the PACT Act was passed in August 2022. The VA also launched a mobile application called VA: Health and Benefits, meant to centralize veterans’ health and benefits information. The VA’s Connected Care Program seeks to bring broadband access to more rural places with limited capacity, in order to support remote virtual care.

Still, there’s significant work to be done. The VA must:

A 2023 RAND study concluded that “for veterans with limited access to a VHA facility or who are unable to access timely care, community care providers are a potentially important resource.” 

Most of all, Congress needs to provide oversight to see that the VA adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Mission Act — aimed at strengthening comprehensive healthcare for all veterans (especially those who suffer proportionately higher rates of health challenges, such as rural and tribal veterans) — and that funds are being allocated effectively.

5. Lack of Proper Transportation for Disabled Veterans

What transportation needs do veterans face, and how can we meet them?

Transportation helps connect veterans to employment, regular health care visits, support services, and other necessities that are vital to a good quality of life. Lack of access to proper transportation or the funds to secure it can be a significant hindrance to veterans accessing their basic needs.

In a Bureau of Labor and Transportation survey, nearly half of  veterans reported that they travel more than 60 miles one way to receive medical services.

A considerable number of veterans need specialized transportation as well. There are an estimated 5.27 million veterans — over one-third of the veteran population — who identify as having a disability that requires transportation assistance.

 

It’s critical that veteran benefits include comprehensive transportation assistance, especially for veterans with a service-connected disability.

In a promising step, the AUTO Act was also signed into law in early January 2023, allowing disabled veterans who need modified vehicles to receive a grant from the VA every 10 years rather than once in a lifetime.

Nevertheless, additional efforts are needed by Congress and the VA to ensure all veterans have access to proper transportation and are aware of the transportation benefits available to them. This should include periodic follow-up with recently transitioned veterans, awareness campaigns around benefits, and a review of funding allocation for veteran transportation assistance.

6. Homelessness

Do veterans experience higher rates of homelessness than nonveterans?

Veterans have a higher likelihood than nonveterans of becoming displaced from their homes. Veteran homelessness is one of the top issues of concern for U.S. veterans. In a Mission Roll Call poll of veterans nationwide, more than 90% of veterans said they do not think enough is being done to address veteran homelessness. 

The number of homeless veterans is increasing – rising more than 7% from 2022 to 2023. On an average night in 2023, 20,067 veterans were living in shelters. A staggering 15,507 veterans were living without any shelter at all.

There are also racial disparities. Black veterans are significantly overrepresented among homeless veterans, making up 31% of the homeless veteran population (but only 14% of the overall veteran population). 

A number of interconnected factors are contributing to the rise in veteran homelessness, including gaps in mental health support and the growing disparity between housing costs and income.

Government efforts to solve this crisis are being made. In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs set goals to permanently house at least 41,000 homeless veterans and ensure that 95% of them do not return to homelessness within the year. Also in 2024, Housing and Urban Development announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards for over 7,000 projects that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness.

However, over $50.3 billion has been collectively spent on government programs since FY2005. Yet, veteran homelessness and hunger persist. It’s clear that money alone is not enough to fix this problem. 

Mission Roll Call advocates for more funding for community-based nonprofits and businesses that are on the frontlines of many veterans’ services. These services don’t just address homelessness specifically but also target the root causes of homelessness. These community organizations have touchpoints in the veteran community that the VA will never have.

7. Being Confronted with Veteran Stereotypes in Entertainment and Civilian Life

What are the common stereotypes about veterans, and how can we address these?

There are several stereotypes and misconceptions that can negatively impact the daily lives of veterans. A 2021 study by the University of Cincinnati looked at common stigmas veterans face. Through in-depth interviews with veterans ages 20 to 60, it found that “depictions of veterans in news media and pop culture often carry negative associations such as poor mental health or violence.”

Respondents shared that “views about military personnel are skewed by war movies that depict returning veterans as psychologically damaged by their experience” and many believed these portrayals can lead to “inappropriate and off-base comments by civilian peers.”

Yet veterans have lower unemployment rates than nonveterans, as of July 2024.

Veterans are also more likely to be civically engaged than non-veterans, and on average, veterans contribute more volunteer time in their communities than non-veterans.

And while the majority of Americans look up to people who have served in the military, there are still negative misconceptions that have permeated society.

Adding to this, and unlike other high-stress occupations such as law enforcement, medicine, or emergency response roles, veterans who enter the workforce usually aren’t surrounded by people with similar experiences and perspectives. This contributes to gaps in understanding, and they can be met with unrealistic or unfair assumptions about their capabilities.

These portrayals and misconceptions can have serious implications on veterans’ mental health, careers, social lives, and overall well-being. Workplaces, entertainers, and everyday people should be mindful of the inaccurate stereotypes impacting veterans and do all that’s within our power to put an end to them.

Bottom Line:

While some challenges for veterans may be obvious and widely discussed, there are stressors that the average person is not unaware of.  As individuals, we can show support to veterans by educating ourselves on their unique needs and challenging harmful stereotypes or stigmas. We can also volunteer with veteran nonprofits and point former service members to useful benefits, service organizations, social groups, and other resources.

Mission Roll Call is dedicated to advocating for action on each of these issues in 2024 and beyond. Through outreach, polling, storytelling, and media, we present the concerns of veterans across the country to leaders in Washington. Collectively, we can urge Congress and the VA to address these unique stressors veterans face by sending letters or emails to our congressional representatives. Join us to add your voice to the conversation. 

It’s time for effective solutions to these solvable issues. We must ensure our courageous veterans and their families have access to the benefits they’ve earned and the basic essentials for a good quality of life.

Veteran homelessness remains a critical issue in our country, affecting countless veterans and their families. At Mission Roll Call, our members have identified this challenge as a top priority for advocacy.

Today, we are honored to share exclusive messages from Senator Jon Tester and Senator Mike Bost, co-chairmen of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, who discuss the urgent need for action and the steps being taken to address this crisis. These videos provide valuable insights into the current state of veteran homelessness and the ongoing efforts to support our nation’s heroes.

To deepen your understanding of the challenges and solutions, we invite you to read our comprehensive piece, The State of Veteran Homelessness.

By sharing your voice and becoming a member of Mission Roll Call, you can help us advocate for meaningful change and support initiatives that ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home. Together, we can make a difference. Let your voice be heard by subscribing here.

The number of homeless veterans is increasing – rising more than 7% from 2022 to 2023. On an average night in 2023, 20,067 veterans were living in shelters. A staggering 15,507 veterans were living without any shelter at all.

Veteran homelessness is one of the top issues of concern for U.S. veterans. In a Mission Roll Call poll of veterans nationwide, more than 90% of veterans said they do not think enough is being done to address veteran homelessness.

Solving this issue is complex, and requires on-the-ground solutions as well as political action. That’s why Mission Roll Call is committed to increasing awareness of veteran homelessness among policymakers and to advocating for concrete solutions on Capitol Hill, including understanding and addressing the root causes.

This article will address the following questions:

Are veterans at a higher risk of homelessness than nonveterans?

Veterans have a higher likelihood than nonveterans of becoming displaced from their homes. They make up about 7% of all homeless adults in the U.S., even though they only represent around 6% of the total U.S. population.

Homelessness includes what is known as “sheltered homelessness” – housing in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, or a safe haven program – as well as “unsheltered homelessness” – living and sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. Troublingly, from 2022 to 2023, the number of unsheltered veterans rose 14%.

The recent increase in homelessness among veterans is a troubling and newer trend. From 2010 to 2022, the number of veterans experiencing displacement decreased by over 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Urban and Housing Development.

In 2023, 35,574 veterans were experiencing homelessness – 22 of every 10,000 veterans in the United States – compared to 20 out of every 10,000 nonveterans experiencing homelessness in 2023. Just over half of these veterans were staying in sheltered locations, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In addition, there are certain groups among homeless veterans that are disproportionately affected. Men make up about 88% of homeless veterans, while female veterans are more likely to be homeless with children – highlighting the need for family-specific support.

There are also racial disparities. Black veterans are significantly overrepresented among homeless veterans, making up 31% of the homeless veteran population (but only 14% of the overall veteran population). And geographically, the risk of homelessness among veterans varies. California, Florida, and Texas have some of the highest concentrations of homeless veterans, with California alone accounting for 30% of all homeless veterans in the U.S.

What is contributing to the increase in homelessness among veterans?

It is difficult to pinpoint any one root cause of the veteran housing crisis; rather, it is an accumulation of factors over time.

Mission Roll Call has outlined several common challenges veterans face. These challenges can be closely linked with homelessness:

1. Difficulties transitioning from active duty to civilian life

In transitioning to civilian life, navigating the VA healthcare system, finding affordable housing, and applying for jobs can be a difficult and drastic shift. According to Pew Research Center, only one in four veterans has a job lined up after leaving the military. And a survey conducted by Prudential found that more than two-thirds of veterans consider finding a job to be the greatest challenge in their transition to civilian life.

2. Gaps in mental health support

Mental health conditions are prevalent among homeless veterans. According to the National Health Care for Homeless Council, pre-existing conditions are exacerbated by the stress and instability of homelessness. As a result, many homeless veterans resort to substance use as a coping mechanism, which further deteriorates their health.

The World Health Organization reports that people suffering from severe mental health issues face additional barriers to employment. But there are systemic healthcare gaps that can prevent veterans from getting the care and support they need for mental health conditions.

3. Navigating VA bureaucracy for access to benefits

Nearly half of all veterans are unaffiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a veteran service organization. Those who are may face long wait times and fail to get the care they need in a timely manner.

4. Legal difficulties

Many homeless veterans don’t have identification or legal documentation like a driver’s license or birth certificate. Lacking identification prevents them from being able to access many services and programs. Additionally, without an address to receive tickets or other legal paperwork, veterans who have unpaid fines, or have been arrested for a misdemeanor may miss court dates, triggering a warrant.

5. Service-related disabilities

About 30% of veterans had a service-connected disability in 2023, and an estimated 5.25 million veterans identify as having a disability that requires transportation assistance. These disabilities can impact mental health and make it harder to find stable employment.

According to the VA, other factors impacting veteran homelessness include:

6. The growing disparity between housing costs and income

Income inequality drives hundreds of people into homelessness on any given night in dozens of communities across the U.S. Many veteran households face a housing cost burden, spending a large portion of their income on housing. Female veterans, in particular, tend to have lower incomes and are less likely to own homes, making them more vulnerable to homelessness.

7. Substance abuse

Opioid abuse is a growing and critical problem for veterans. Homeless veterans are more likely to have opioid addiction, according to the VA’s Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion. Additionally, veterans who are diagnosed with a drug use disorder are more than twice as likely to become homeless as others.

How does being homeless affect veterans?

Homelessness significantly worsens veterans’ health, both physically and mentally. A National Health Care for Homeless Council study depicts that the homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years prior to housed Americans.

Homeless veterans are three times more likely than the rest of the U.S. population to be infected with HIV. They’re also more likely to be in need of dental care. Dental problems, like missing teeth, can be “tremendous barriers” to looking for and finding work.

Research also shows that homeless individuals are more frequently victims of violent crimes than the general population. Between 2020 and 2022, the National Coalition for the Homeless tracked nearly 2,000 violent incidents targeting homeless individuals.

The trauma of homelessness can also lead to increased suicide rates among homeless veterans. Suicide rates among homeless populations are estimated at nine times that of the U.S. general population.

What is the U.S. government doing to address homelessness?

The U.S. government has implemented several initiatives to combat veteran homelessness, focusing on both immediate housing solutions and long-term support services.

In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs set goals to permanently house at least 41,000 homeless veterans and ensure that 95% of them do not return to homelessness within the year. They also plan to engage with 40,000 unsheltered veterans to provide them with housing and essential services.

Each year, HUD awards Homeless Assistance Grants to communities that provide housing and related services at the local level – which is critical to reaching veterans who don’t use VA services. In January 2024, HUD announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards for over 7,000 projects that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness.

The administration also launched initiatives like the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator, which helps states coordinate housing and health services for homeless individuals. This initiative helps fulfill goals stated in All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, which aims to reduce homelessness by 25% by January 2025.

Additionally, the VA is conducting research into innovative ways to increase homeless veterans’ access to care. For example, they have found that peer mentors can play important roles in homeless veterans’ lives. Another finding is that integrating legal aid with medical care improves both mental health and housing – and may help reach veterans who do not use the VA for medical care. A study published in 2017 found that veterans’ mental health and housing situation improved when they accessed free legal services in a VA facility.

What resources are available to homeless veterans?

There are four different federal agencies (the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Labor and Housing and Urban Development) that fund more than ten different homelessness and food insecurity programs, including SNAP and the VA/HUD voucher program, to fight homelessness in the veteran community.

Examples of VA programs include:

In total, over $50.3 billion has been collectively spent on government programs since FY2005. During that same period, health care obligations for homeless veterans reached $7.8 billion annually in fiscal year 2020, and $700 million for homeless-veteran programs was included in COVID-19 relief packages. Yet, veteran homelessness and hunger persist.

It’s clear that money alone is not enough to fix this problem. Mission Roll Call is pushing for more funding for community-based nonprofits and businesses that are on the frontlines of many veterans’ services. These services don’t just address homelessness specifically but also target the root causes of homelessness. These community organizations have touchpoints in the veteran community that the VA will never have.

For example, The Boulder Crest Foundation focuses on post-traumatic growth, offering programs and retreats designed to help veterans and their families build resilience and thrive in their civilian lives. Team Red, White and Blue connects veterans through physical and social activity.

America’s Warrior Partnership connects veterans and their families with local, regional and national resources. And U.S. VETS provides housing, mental health programs, career services, and more, serving more than 5,500 veterans and families across the country every night.

What can you do to help veterans who are experiencing homelessness?

Without proper community and government support, many veterans struggle to maintain stable housing. Even one veteran experiencing homelessness is too many in a nation that prides itself on service. Support for veterans has to start early, including paying active duty military – especially junior enlisted – the necessary salaries they need to live, thrive and save for their futures.

Mission Roll Call provides veterans with a powerful, unified voice that is heard by our nation’s leaders. Veterans have spoken: veteran homelessness needs to be a top priority for our government.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

It’s important to advocate for legislative action by writing to your senator about bills that aim to improve housing and services for veterans. One issue that needs reform is that currently, landlords who use funding from government programs have little incentive to permanently fix the problem of homelessness, since getting veterans into permanent housing from temporary housing means the loss of federal funding.

These federal programs do help, but the number of veterans still struggling to find permanent solutions to housing problems makes clear that our current systems are not enough.

Importantly, research has found that Americans have become more compassionate toward the homeless in recent years. These findings, alongside legislative attention and increased public awareness of the issue of veteran homelessness, are important steps for ending veteran homelessness in the United States.

At Mission Roll Call, we believe in the power of veterans and their families to continue serving their communities. That’s why we’re proud to support Vet the Vote, a national initiative dedicated to encouraging veterans and military family members to become poll workers. Their mission aligns perfectly with ours: to give veterans a voice and ensure their continued contribution to our democratic processes.

This year, Vet the Vote traveled the country, encouraging service members and their families to take on this vital role. Recently, they were at the Raider’s stadium in Las Vegas for a Day of Gratitude, engaging with over 20,000 veterans and military family members. Next week, Vet the Vote is excited to host two more events in Georgia.

Join us to hear from the Vet the Vote team, state and local elections officials, and fellow veterans about the importance of serving as poll workers. These events are open to veterans and military family members, but space is limited, so be sure to RSVP using the links below.

Vet the Vote – Paulding County Event

Vet the Vote – Muscogee County Event at the National Infantry Museum

We look forward to seeing you there and continuing our joint mission to support veterans and their families in making a difference.

For many veterans and their families, the shift from military service to civilian employment can be challenging. Annually, about 200,000 service members join the veteran community, with nearly half leaving their first civilian job within a year and around 80% within two years.

They deserve better.

“Transitioning from military service to civilian employment is a crucial step for veterans and their families,” said Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call. “It’s essential for all organizations to support veterans in finding meaningful employment that challenges them and provides a sense of purpose similar to their military service. Our veterans have unique skills and experiences, and it’s our collective responsibility to help them translate those into fulfilling careers.”

Fortunately, numerous veteran service organizations are dedicated to assisting veterans and military spouses in finding meaningful employment and successfully navigating this transition. Here, we highlight some of the top veteran service organizations providing invaluable resources and support for veterans seeking employment.

USO Pathfinder Transition Program

The USO Pathfinder Transition Program offers comprehensive transition services to active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and military spouses.

The program provides personalized support, including career counseling, resume-writing assistance, and networking opportunities. Pathfinder Scouts guide participants through various aspects of their transition, helping them achieve their employment and education goals.

The Honor Foundation

The Honor Foundation is a unique organization that specializes in assisting Navy SEALs and other special operations forces transition to the civilian workforce. Their program includes a three-month intensive curriculum focusing on career development, personal branding, and networking.

The Honor Foundation also offers executive coaching and access to a vast network of mentors and employers dedicated to helping veterans find fulfilling careers.

USA Jobs for Veterans

USA Jobs for Veterans is an official website of the U.S. government, designed to help veterans find federal employment opportunities.

The platform provides a wide range of job listings, application tips, and resources tailored to veterans. With a focus on matching veterans’ skills and experiences with appropriate federal positions, USA Jobs for Veterans is a valuable resource for those seeking government employment.

Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) offers several programs aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian employment. Their Warriors to Work program provides career counseling, resume assistance, and job placement services. WWP also hosts career fairs and networking events, connecting veterans with potential employers and offering ongoing support throughout the employment process.

Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes USA is dedicated to empowering U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. They offer personalized career coaching, resume writing assistance, and job search support.

Their services are free of charge and tailored to meet the unique needs of each veteran, ensuring they are well-prepared for their job search and career transition.

Vets in Tech

Vets in Tech supports veterans by providing them with the resources, skills, and opportunities needed to enter the technology sector. They offer training programs, workshops, and networking events focused on tech careers.

Vets in Tech also partners with leading tech companies to provide job placement assistance and mentorship, helping veterans leverage their skills in the rapidly growing tech industry.

Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses start and grow their own businesses. They offer a range of programs, including entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Bunker Labs provides veterans with the tools and support needed to succeed in the business world, fostering a community of veteran entrepreneurs who can share experiences and support one another.

Gallant Few

Gallant Few aims to reduce veteran isolation and support successful transitions by connecting veterans with mentors, resources, and communities. Their STAR (Service, Transition, and Reintegration) program offers personalized mentorship and career guidance, helping veterans navigate the challenges of civilian employment.

Gallant Few also focuses on improving veterans’ overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to transition.

Finding Your Tribe: The Importance of Community with Team Rubicon

In addition to finding employment, many veterans seek a sense of community and belonging after leaving the military. Team Rubicon provides an excellent example of how veterans can find their tribe while making a positive impact. Team Rubicon unites veterans with first responders to deploy emergency response teams, leveraging their skills and experiences to help communities in need. By participating in disaster relief efforts, veterans can regain a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and identity.

The importance of finding a supportive community cannot be overstated. Engaging with organizations like Team Rubicon helps veterans build strong social networks, which can lead to better mental health, increased job satisfaction, and overall well-being. These connections provide a support system that extends beyond employment, offering veterans and their families a foundation for a successful and fulfilling post-military life.

Transitioning to civilian employment is a significant milestone for veterans, their spouses, and families, and having access to the right resources can make all the difference. The organizations highlighted above provide essential support, guidance, and opportunities for veterans seeking to navigate this transition. By leveraging these resources and finding a supportive community, veterans and their loved ones can achieve their career goals and build a successful post-military life.

For more information on these organizations and other valuable resources, read more of our news and stories and explore the support available to veterans and their families.

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a condition that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a tragic or traumatizing event. Because PTS is more likely to occur for veterans than for nonveterans, understanding how PTS impacts our nation’s veterans is important for those in both the military and civilian communities.

While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that seven out of every 100 veterans will experience PTS at some point in their lives, rates are higher among those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the VA, 29% of veterans who served in these conflicts will experience PTS in their lives.

Among the most important progress that must be made around PTS is eliminating the stigma around the condition that may prevent veterans from seeking help. It is also Mission Roll Call’s goal to highlight current gaps in mental health support and care for former service members that can create hurdles in treatment.

In this article, we’ll explore the following questions:

What is post-traumatic stress (PTS)?

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a common and often adaptive response to an abnormally stressful situation. It begins with exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress may include:

Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a medically-diagnosed condition and should be treated by a clinician. Although symptoms of PTS can subside over time, they can also be chronic (lasting a year or longer) and may require ongoing medical attention.

The government, military and mental health community are moving away from using the term “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” to emphasize the reality that PTS is an injury – not a disorder.

Medal of Honor recipient Ty Carter is one of the country’s most vocal advocates for this change. “Because by calling it a disorder, individuals believe that, ‘If I have this, then there’s something wrong with me,’” Carter said. PTS is not a disorder or mental illness – it is a normal response to a traumatic event.

Two-thirds of respondents with PTS in a 2023 study said that removing the “D” would reduce the stigma associated with the term. Breaking the stigma of the “broken veteran” is critical to getting treatment to those who need it most. This has to happen among the general public, in military and government communities, and in Hollywood and the media. For example, a 2021 study by the University of Cincinnati looked at common stigmas veterans face and found that “depictions of veterans in news media and pop culture often carry negative associations such as poor mental health or violence.”

Eliminating these preconceived notions can make veterans more willing to share their mental health challenges with friends and family or to seek help.

Are veterans at higher risk for PTS?

While PTS is a psychological injury that can affect anyone who experiences trauma, veterans are considered to have a higher risk of developing PTS than the general public due to unique stressors associated with combat and military life.

It is important that U.S. veterans know they are not alone. An estimated 354 million adult war survivors globally have PTS and/or major depression. PTS is a common human response to surviving war or combat.

Deployment during military service can increase the likelihood of PTS. PTS is three times more likely among veterans who deployed compared to those who did not (of the same service era).

Combat experience, in particular, can make a person more sensitive to loud noises or bright lights, trigger insomnia and trouble sleeping, and make everyday situations feel more stressful than they did beforehand.

Other scenarios that can exacerbate risk for PTS are discharging a weapon, witnessing a death, being attacked, lack of support in transitioning from the military, and losing a sense of camaraderie and purpose post-deployment.

In addition, veterans who use VA for health care are more likely to be diagnosed with PTS than those who use community health services – likely because VA screens for PTS for all veteran patients.

A Pew Research study found that 36% of post-9/11 veterans believe they have suffered from PTS. And, being more likely to have been deployed and to have seen combat than veterans of other eras, nearly half said they had “emotionally traumatic or distressing experiences related to their military service.”

The following VA data was compiled from a large study of veteran demographics across the U.S.:

Service Era PTS in the last 12 months PTS at some point in life
Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 15% 29%
Persian Gulf War 14% 29%
Vietnam War 5% 10%
World War II and Korean War 2% 3%

PTS and suicide risk among veterans

While it’s important to note that a variety of factors can play a role in veteran suicide (see Mission Roll Call’s The State of Veteran Suicide, there are links between PTS and high suicide rates among veterans.

Among veterans who experienced combat trauma, the highest relative suicide risk has been found to occur in those who were wounded multiple times and/or hospitalized for a wound. “This suggests that the intensity of the combat trauma, and the number of times it occurred, may influence suicide risk in veterans,” according to the VA.

Ending veteran suicide is Mission Roll Call’s top priority. The VA’s data shows that the age- and sex-adjusted rate for veterans was 71.8% greater than that of non-veteran adults. And America’s Warrior Partnership’s research suggests the rate may be higher than the VA’s estimates, with at least 40-44 former service members dying every day by suicide or self-harm.

Veterans may face distinct barriers to accessing adequate mental health treatment. Research shows that less than half of veterans in need of mental health services receive treatment, and of those who do — for PTS and major depression — less than one-third receive evidence-based care.

These concerning statistics highlight the need for comprehensive mental health care that takes a holistic approach to veterans’ needs. More than that, service members must be given proper resources and information on health benefits prior to military separation. Specifically, they should be provided with clear roadmaps for identifying symptoms and finding treatment for PTS and other mental health challenges.

PTS and the Global War on Terror (GWOT)

PTS has come to be known as the “signature wound” of veterans who served in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). The war’s protracted length played a major role in elevating the risk of PTS among these veterans, since it exposed more service members to combat than previous wars, and many deployed more than once.

The VA reports that 15 out of 100 veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) – in Iraq and Afghanistan – have exhibited PTS symptoms within the past year, and 29 out of 100 of those who served in those operations will experience PTS at some point during their lives.

The Wounded Warrior Project’s most recent survey of post-9/11 veterans found that 75.9% reported experiencing PTS; 49.8% reported moderate to severe symptoms of two or more mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety; and 28.3% reported having suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months. The survey consistently shows that these veterans experience PTS at a much higher rate than the VA estimates.

The GWOT also saw a rise in improvised explosive devices (IED) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacting service members. Data shows that injured patients with a TBI (and with multiple TBIs) are more likely to develop PTS than those without a TBI history. PTS can develop even in the absence of a clear memory of an event causing TBI.

What PTS treatments are available for veterans?

Therapy is usually regarded as a “first-line approach” for veterans with PTS. The success of PTS treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how long they have been present. For long-term PTS, treatment often also includes medication and lifestyle changes.

The VA offers three forms of therapy for PTS:

  1. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): CPT teaches you how to evaluate and change the thoughts that have occurred since the trauma. The goal is to understand how certain thoughts about the trauma cause stress and make symptoms worse.
  2. Prolonged exposure therapy: A form of talk therapy, this therapy gradually approaches trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations that a patient may have been avoiding. Its effectiveness in treating PTS among veterans has been clinically demonstrated.
  3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): While thinking of or talking about their memories, people undergoing EMDR therapy focus on other stimuli like eye movements, hand taps, and sounds. A study by the National Center for PTSD found that EMDR was effective in treating PTS.

Over 50% of patients who receive one of these three therapies will find relief, according to the National Center for PTSD. With medication alone, 42% have been found to achieve remission — though there have been concerns in the veteran community about negative side effects associated with some prescribed medications.

But only 50% of veterans — around 9 million — are enrolled in VA healthcare or affiliated with a veteran service organization. Without the support they need, in the VA or their community, many veterans may turn to self-destructive coping mechanisms.

This is why Mission Roll Call advocates for a holistic approach to combat the feelings of isolation, depression, and potential suicide ideation that can come with PTS. It is important for veterans to have a strong network during this process; having people to check in with, spend quality time with, or who serve as mentors can be a vital source of encouragement.

Ensuring positive outcomes must include implementing increased community care provisions (as outlined in the MISSION Act) so that veterans can find quality care within a reasonable timeframe or distance. This is critical because so many veterans do not use VA care.

It is also important to improve transition assistance programs to ensure veterans are fully aware of the healthcare benefits available to them upon exiting the military.

Spotlight: Boulder Crest Foundation

Boulder Crest Foundation, located in Virginia, offers life-changing programs free of charge to members of the military, veterans, and first responder communities, and their families.

Warrior PATHH is the first training program to teach our nation’s veterans to experience lifelong Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). It is a 90-day, non-pharmacological, peer-delivered training program that begins with a 7-day intensive and immersive initiation. This is followed by three months of dedicated support, training, accountability, and connection from a team of trained combat veterans.

The Warrior PATHH program delivers results five to seven times better than traditional approaches to mental health. It was designed for the hundreds of thousands of warriors who are fighting to rediscover a life worth living.

Service dogs and PTS

Service dogs can be an amazing form of support for veterans with PTS. The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act (PAWS) — signed into law on August 25, 2021— requires the VA to conduct a five-year pilot program to provide service dog training for eligible veterans experiencing PTS as part of a “complementary and integrative health program.” The program is meant to explore the benefits of service dog training, and based on the data, the training could potentially be included in comprehensive healthcare benefits for service animals in the near future.

While the VA does not provide service dogs directly, VA benefits will cover care and equipment for service dogs. Veterans must first meet with their healthcare provider to discuss their physical or mental health limitations to determine if a service dog will be an appropriate treatment approach. Each case is individually reviewed by a clinician to assess the goals to be accomplished by getting a service dog and the ability and means of the veteran to care for the dog.

Upon approval for a service dog, veterans are referred to Assistance Dogs International accredited agencies or International Guide Dog Federation accredited agencies to be paired with the right type of service dog. From there, they can also have their service dog enrolled in Veterinary Health Benefits. This includes comprehensive treatment and wellness checks, emergency care, immunizations, and illness treatment for the dog that will be serving the veteran.

There are also several organizations outside the VA that train and provide service animals for veterans, such as K9s for Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for veterans with PTS, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. Additional organizations include SemperK9, America’s Vet Dogs, Patriot Service Dogs, and Canine Companions.

How can we support veterans experiencing PTS?

Mission Roll Call research found that 60% of Americans believe that more veterans deal with post-traumatic stress (PTS) than their civilian counterparts. And nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults believe the federal government has “not been very effective” in dealing with veteran healthcare, including mental health support.

There is ample room for individuals to play a role in supporting our nation’s veterans, especially those experiencing PTS.

For those who have a veteran in their life:

The VA’s National Center for PTSD also has information for veterans, service members, families, and providers, and the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury offers fact sheets and resources on PTS care as well.

For those who don’t know a veteran but want to help:

Takeaways: What every veteran should know

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of posttraumatic stress and the pathways to recovery. In this special Q&A, we delve into the work of the Boulder Crest Foundation, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of veterans through innovative programs that promote Posttraumatic Growth (PTG).

Experiencing trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, leading to the development of post-traumatic stress (PTS) which can challenge one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, within the shadows of PTS lies an equally powerful phenomenon: posttraumatic growth.

Mission Roll Call spoke with Josh Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer at the Boulder Crest Foundation, to explore the complex interplay between these two trauma outcomes, identifying how individuals cope with their past experiences and transform them into catalysts for positive change and personal growth. Continue reading to see how the Boulder Crest Foundation is pioneering new ways, and building upon long-standing concepts, to support our heroes and their loved ones.

Josh Goldberg, CEO of Boulder Crest Foundation

MRC: Thank you for being part of this conversation, Josh. Tell us about the Boulder Crest Foundation and your approach to posttraumatic growth.

The short version of posttraumatic growth is the idea that what doesn’t kill us can make us wiser and can make us stronger. Posttraumatic growth may seem like a new idea but it’s actually the oldest idea on earth – the idea that in our lives, we will go through great difficulties, and those difficulties will reveal parts of ourselves we won’t know in any other way. Because of those experiences, we can live a more meaningful, authentic, and purposeful life.

The overriding focus for any kind of effort for people who are struggling tends to be, ‘Let’s help these people feel less bad. They’re in pain, let’s give them some measure of relief.’ To us, you essentially sedate or anesthetize people to life. You take them out of the act of living and put them in survival mode.

Our view of suicide is that the opposite of suicide is a life worth living, and a life worth living is filled with purpose and hope, connection and service, and growth. Everything we do at Boulder Crest is built on the idea of teaching and training men and women who are struggling to transform that struggle into strength and achieve posttraumatic growth in their lives.

Ken Falke, Founder of Boulder Crest Foundation

MRC: Why do you think that message resonates so much with those you serve?

How things are isn’t how they have to be. It’s a philosophy and it’s a very practical and pragmatic focus that emanates from our founder, Ken Falke, and his prior work in training people in counter-IED work. In some respects, we’re training people to disarm the struggles that exist inside of us and to live great lives. In Ken’s language, we’re helping people to be as productive at home as they were on the battlefield. That’s based on the lineage of people who’ve served for thousands of years. It’s the idea that there are people in our society who possess wisdom about life that other folks don’t have and it’s incumbent on them to share it.

We have a quote in each of our gardens at Boulder Crest that says, ‘We must remember that one man (or woman) is much the same as another and that he (or she) is best who is trained in the severest school.’ And that’s what we believe.

Participants walk through Boulder Crest's gardens.

People who are exposed to the stuff that the people we serve are exposed to, understand the fragility of life. They understand what matters. They understand the importance of being grateful. They understand the importance of relationships. Those are the true gifts of life that most of the rest of us don’t always fully understand.

MRC: How do you incorporate the concept of posttraumatic growth into your programs?

Posttraumatic growth is incorporated in a really explicit way in everything we do. Our flagship program at Boulder Crest is called Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) and that’s for members of the military and veteran community who are struggling, male and female. It’s a 90-day program that starts with seven days on the ground. It begins by introducing people to the notion of posttraumatic growth through a series of educational and experiential indoor/outdoor modules to teach them these ideas and allow them to put them into practice.

The goal is to make peace with their past, learn to live in the present, and plan for a great future, and to do that in a peer-based environment with fellow veterans and service members as well as instructors who are also veterans and first responders.

MRC: Warrior PATHH is one of your flagship programs, but you also have another exceptional program called Struggle Well. What can you share about that?

Struggle Well is all about how we bring those notions into the military world in a way that catalyzes people to think differently about themselves, their struggles, and their life in the hopes that they might not need a program like Warrior PATHH. There are two goals of Struggle Well: the first is to normalize struggle.

Struggle is a real part of life, it has an impact. When it has those impacts, it tends to feel like we’re the only person who’s ever been through it and that we’re irrevocably broken. The second is to democratize the ability for people to struggle well. This is all about giving people the skills, training, and practices that allow them to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life in a healthy and constructive fashion.

A veteran speaks to a group at Boulder Crest Foundation.

MRC: How do you incorporate families and loved ones into your programming?

Boulder Crest partners with Songwritingwith:Soldiers on our Couples PATHH program, which is designed to bring Warrior PATHH graduates back with their spouses and loved ones, so they can have a shared experience. It’s super important to realize that struggle is contagious in a family. If you’re trying to lift one person up, you have to make sure you’re lifting up the entire family or else you probably won’t succeed.

Our original programming is Family Rest & Reconnection. At the heart of posttraumatic growth is the idea of trust and connection and giving families a chance to reconnect, rest, and recharge in a safe and peaceful setting, allowing them to foster or rebuild the trust and connection that’s the hallmark of any great relationship. It’s the fuel and foundation for growth to occur in people’s lives. There is programming for individuals, for couples, and for families.

MRC: As an organization, Mission Roll Call is committed to reframing the narrative around the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder and prefers to use the term post-traumatic stress. Do you think posttraumatic growth is the next logical step in the conversation to help educate and demonstrate the hope that can follow trauma?

It’s interesting because a number of years ago, I was part of a leadership program and interviewed with one of President George W. Bush’s top staffers, and he said, ‘We thought we did a great job trying to drop the d (in disorder), and you did one better and added a ‘g.’ I do think this is the next part of that journey.

I think whether you drop the d or not, PTS and PTSD have a certain feeling and weight to them that often makes people feel like they’re destined to live diminished lives. And the thing that people lose in that situation is hope. If human beings don’t have hope, they lose agency and any sense that their actions will create change in their life. You can become nihilistic and quite cynical, jaded, and isolated. It leads to lots of bad outcomes from suicide to substance abuse issues.

To me, it’s not an either-or. It’s about balancing this conversation. It’s reminding people that symptoms are real but so is the possibility for growth. There’s a lady I deeply admire who lost her fiance who was a first responder in an ISIS-related shooting in 2015. Her name is Mandy Pifer. And she said, ‘You have to know posttraumatic growth exists for it to happen. You have to know it’s ok for good things to happen after really bad things.’

I think there’s an aspect of permission and awareness that people cannot reach for things that they cannot see. One of my favorite parts of our programs is when we start to talk about posttraumatic growth, and the most common response from veterans is, ‘Why has nobody told me this before? All I’ve ever been told is all the ways my life is going to be damaged or diminished because of what I’ve been through.’ And I think that in and of itself says everything about the importance of telling both sides of this story. It reminds people that all is not lost and that how things are isn’t how they have to be. Growth isn’t just a possibility, it’s potentially an inevitability.

Struggle, trauma, and difficulty are a part of all of our lives. We don’t want it and we don’t wish it on ourselves, but it still comes. It’s incumbent on us to realize it’s our choice what to do with it.

MRC: How can veterans, military members, first responders, and their families get involved with the Boulder Crest Foundation?

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in any of Boulder Crest’s programs, you can apply through our website, bouldercrest.org. We also offer opportunities for veterans and first responders to get involved as mentors and volunteers, helping to support their peers on the journey to posttraumatic growth.

For participants, the data in our programs is off the charts. People come in way above the clinical threshold for PTSD and they leave well below. They get to a place where those things don’t dominate their lives – and that’s in seven days. It doesn’t take long for people to realize, “Wow, I’ve been trapped in this prison, and the key to get out is in my pocket.’

MRC: Is there anything else you want to share about posttraumatic growth?

Trauma is often seen as insurmountable; a full stop in the story of our lives. But what if it can be a catalyst for forging a new path — one filled with passion, purpose, connection, growth, and service? That is posttraumatic growth.

For far too long we have focused exclusively on the negative impacts of trauma and struggle. The result is that we are left feeling permanently diminished and damaged; a victim to the worst experiences of our life. That must change. And that’s why we are starting a movement to Choose Growth.

Choose Growth shines a light on the opportunity to grow in the aftermath of trauma. Choose Growth changes the story around struggle and trauma and teaches the world to thrive post-trauma; moving the conversation from “PTSD” to “PTG.”

I would encourage anyone reading to watch this video and share it with your friends and family. The more we share, the more we grow. Connect with others and share the message of Posttraumatic Growth far and wide.

Watch: Choose Growth

Boulder Crest Foundation is at the forefront of transforming the lives of veterans, service members, first responders, and their loved ones through the power of PTG. By focusing on holistic and long-term healing, they offer a beacon of hope for those grappling with the challenges of struggle and trauma.

Join Mission Roll Call as we support Boulder Crest Foundation’s mission and help transform more lives. Visit this link to learn more and find out how you can get involved.

As we recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month, it’s essential to highlight the remarkable work of Mission Roll Call’s nonprofit coalition partners dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.

One impactful organization is the Avalon Action Alliance. Avalon is focused on changing how our healthcare system cares for those who have served. Through an alliance of partners, Avalon connects veterans with life-changing care and eliminates barriers to access, including geographical and financial obstacles.

Avalon’s comprehensive approach is vital in transforming lives. Trauma affects every aspect of an individual’s life, and each person’s experience is unique. Avalon’s integrated care model addresses the mind, body, and spirit; ensuring holistic healing while providing personalized support. Recognizing that trauma impacts the entire family unit, Avalon includes family members in the healing process. This inclusive approach strengthens family bonds and promotes collective well-being.

Avalon Action Alliance concentrates on four key areas to assist veterans and their families dealing with Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-traumatic Stress, and Substance Abuse:

  1. Brain Health Services: Avalon provides access to various brain health services through an alliance with seven TBI Medical Centers, 11 Posttraumatic Growth Programs, and two Substance Abuse Treatment Centers. These programs help individuals learn skills to overcome post-traumatic stress, substance abuse challenges, and persistent symptoms from traumatic brain injury.
  2. Physical Health and Wellness: Avalon believes there’s a direct link between physical and mental well-being and has developed programs to promote physical health, fitness, and nutritional counseling.
  3. Integrative Therapies: Avalon integrates various therapies, such as equine horse therapy, art therapy and mindfulness practices to provide unique ways for veterans to process their experiences and find healing.
  4. Community Building: Avalon’s alliance of partners fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support among veterans and their families. Veterans challenged with PTS-related symptoms are often isolated, and care is typically limited to symptom-suppressing medication. Avalon’s posttraumatic growth programs offer an alternative solution to life-long medication. Their care is based on the science of posttraumatic growth. Non-clinical training is provided by staff who have also served, creating long-term peer networks that veterans can leverage for sustained support.

Community connection is a priority. Building a supportive community helps veterans and their families feel understood and valued. Avalon’s community initiatives reduce isolation and create lasting connections. Avalon’s approach is changing lives and creating better days.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and Posttraumatic Growth Warrior PATHH participant. “I’m a work in progress. I’ve repaired my family, and I’m repairing myself. I don’t guarantee many things in life, but I can guarantee that Avalon’s posttraumatic growth program will change you.”

By raising awareness and supporting comprehensive care initiatives, we can contribute to the healing and recovery of veterans and their families. Avalon Action Alliance exemplifies the dedication and compassion needed to address the needs of our veteran community while making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served.

As we honor Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month, let’s commit to supporting the invaluable work of Avalon Action Alliance and similar organizations. Together, we can ensure our veterans receive the care and resources they deserve.

If you or someone you know is a veteran (or first responder) in need of support for invisible wounds like Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-traumatic Stress, and Substance Abuse, please visit Avalon Action Alliance at www.avalonactionalliance.org to learn more about its care model.

What You Need To Know About Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month
June marks Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month, a crucial time to acknowledge the challenges faced by those who have experienced trauma and to advocate for their mental health and well-being. At Mission Roll Call, our commitment to supporting veterans and their families is unwavering, and this month serves as a poignant reminder of the invisible wounds that can be carried within our community.

Some, including Mission Roll Call, prefer using the term PTS instead of PTSD to reduce the stigma associated with the word “disorder” and to challenge the stereotype of “broken veterans.” Therefore, PTS will be used throughout the rest of this article (and in all MRC messaging) to promote a more understanding and supportive narrative.

Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) affects millions of individuals, including veterans who have served our country with bravery and dedication. The transition from military to civilian life can often exacerbate these struggles, making it imperative that we come together to provide understanding, resources, and support.

PTS has often been conflated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it’s crucial to distinguish between the two. PTS is a natural and sometimes adaptive response to trauma, not a mental illness.

Many people, including civilians, experience PTS after extremely stressful events, such as sports accidents, falls, or more severe incidents like war or assaults. Unlike PTSD, PTS is not chronic, and individuals typically find relief in the short term.

In contrast, PTSD is a medically diagnosed condition requiring clinical treatment. Symptoms can be chronic, lasting a year or more, and necessitating ongoing medical attention. PTSD symptoms often appear within a month of the traumatic event and, while similar to those of PTS (such as flashbacks, nightmares, and a racing heart), are more intense and enduring.

While PTS is a psychological injury that can affect anyone who experiences trauma, veterans are more susceptible to developing PTS compared to non-veterans. The VA estimates that at least seven out of every 100 veterans will experience PTS at some point in their lives.

Combat experience, in particular, can heighten sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights, trigger insomnia and other sleep disturbances, and make everyday situations feel more stressful than before.

Moreover, veterans often encounter distinct barriers to accessing adequate mental health treatment. Research shows that less than half of veterans needing mental health services receive treatment, and among those who do seek help for PTS and major depression, less than one-third receive evidence-based care.

These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive mental health care that adopts a holistic approach to veterans’ needs.

Ways To Support Veterans and Their Families

In 2022, Mission Roll Call conducted an annual research survey on Americans’ attitudes toward veterans’ issues and found that 60% believe veterans experience post-traumatic stress (PTS) significantly more than their civilian counterparts.

Additionally, nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults think the federal government has been “not very effective” in handling veteran healthcare, including mental health support. This indicates a substantial opportunity for individuals to support our nation’s veterans, especially those dealing with PTS.

 

A stat from U.S. adults about veteran healthcare
So what can we do to help? For starters, we can assist veterans in accessing helpful resources and information on healthcare benefits they may be eligible for. It’s a big reason why June is dedicated to PTS awareness.

If you know a veteran showing symptoms of PTS, consider the following actions:

Later this month, MRC will share more details about one of those organizations that may be able to help, a nonprofit called Boulder Crest Foundation.

At the heart of Boulder Crest’s mission is the Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes) program. This program is designed to transform the way veterans and first responders think about and respond to their traumatic experiences. Instead of viewing PTS as a disorder, Boulder Crest promotes the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), helping individuals harness their trauma as a catalyst for personal development and resilience.

Boulder Crest Foundation Warrior PATHH participants

Supporting veterans and their families as they navigate the challenges of post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a collective responsibility that requires empathy, awareness, and action.

Education is the foundation of effective support. By learning about PTS and the available resources, we can better assist veterans in accessing the care they need. Practical help, such as guiding them through healthcare systems and connecting them with veteran-focused organizations, can alleviate some of the logistical burdens they may face.

Emotional support is equally crucial. Being there to listen, encouraging open communication, and offering reassurance can make a significant difference in a veteran’s journey toward recovery. Building strong, supportive relationships and fostering a sense of community can mitigate feelings of isolation and promote mental well-being.

Advocacy and awareness are powerful tools in the fight against the stigma surrounding PTS. By raising awareness, advocating for better services, and volunteering with veteran-serving organizations, we can contribute to systemic changes that benefit veterans and their families.

Ultimately, creating a supportive environment where veterans feel understood and valued is essential. Encouraging self-care, respecting their boundaries, and involving their families in the healing process can lead to more comprehensive and sustained recovery.

Join us this June as we amplify the voices of those impacted by PTS, share their stories, and highlight the resources available to aid in their recovery. Together, we can foster a community of compassion and resilience, honoring the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

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