Veteran's Day Reflections: Honoring Service and Supporting Those Still Battling
Daniel Odle
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Today is Veteran's Day—a day set aside to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. As the founder of Virtues of Valor, this day holds a deeply personal meaning for me. It’s a time to reflect on the courage of our veterans, to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to recognize the battles that many of them continue to fight long after their service has ended.
Veteran's Day is a celebration of patriotism and valor, but it’s also a reminder of the ongoing struggles our veterans face. Too often, these struggles are invisible, overlooked by a society that benefits every day from their sacrifices. Today, I want to shed light on one of the most pressing issues facing our veteran community: the mental health crisis that continues to claim far too many lives.
Honoring All Who Serve
From the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, American servicemen and women have stood as the guardians of our freedoms and the defenders of democracy. They have faced unimaginable challenges, put their lives on the line, and endured sacrifices that most civilians will never fully understand. Their courage is the bedrock of our nation.
Today, we honor all who have served, from the Greatest Generation who fought in World War II to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who faced the complexities of modern warfare. We honor their dedication, their selflessness, and their willingness to answer the call of duty.
But as we celebrate their service, we must also recognize that the end of their military career doesn’t mean the end of their battles. For many, a new fight begins—a fight against the unseen wounds of war.
The Silent Battle: Mental Health Challenges Among Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues affect a significant portion of the veteran population. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day. That number should be a wake-up call to all of us.
These mental health challenges are often the result of experiences that civilians can barely imagine: the loss of comrades in combat, the moral dilemmas of warfare, and the difficulty of transitioning from the structure and purpose of military life to the uncertainty of civilian life. For some veterans, the fight doesn’t end when they come home; it merely changes form.
As a veteran myself, I’ve seen these struggles up close. I’ve lost friends and brothers-in-arms to the hidden wounds of war. The toll these issues take on our veterans and their families is devastating, and it’s a tragedy that we, as a society, must address with urgency and compassion.
Gratitude Is Not Enough: The Need for Support
While it’s heartening to see communities come together on Veteran's Day to express gratitude, we must do more than just thank our veterans for their service. Gratitude is important, but it is not enough to heal the wounds they carry. What our veterans need is tangible support—resources, programs, and a community that understands and addresses their challenges.
Here are some of the ways we can better support our veterans:
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Improve Access to Mental Health Services: Veterans need accessible, affordable, and effective mental health care. This includes not only therapy and counseling but also innovative treatments and holistic approaches that address their unique experiences.
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Break the Stigma: One of the biggest barriers to mental health care is the stigma surrounding it. Veterans should feel that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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Build Communities of Support: Isolation is a significant factor in veteran suicide. By fostering strong communities where veterans can connect with others who understand their experiences, we can create a sense of belonging and support.
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Advocate for Policy Change: Legislative efforts can ensure that veterans receive the benefits, care, and resources they deserve. This includes addressing the backlog of VA claims and ensuring funding for mental health initiatives.
A New Chapter for Virtues of Valor
For years, Virtues of Valor and its founding members have together been dedicated to supporting veterans and raising awareness about the challenges they face. However, I must share some difficult news: due to a lack of financial support and resources, our efforts to operate as a fully functioning nonprofit have come to an end.
This decision was not made lightly. It’s a bittersweet moment, as we reflect on the lives we’ve touched and the awareness we’ve raised, but also acknowledge the limitations we’ve faced as a small organization. While we will no longer function as a traditional nonprofit, Virtues of Valor will continue to serve as an online resource for veterans and their families. Our mission remains the same: to honor, support, and advocate for those who have served our country.
This transition marks a new chapter for Virtues of Valor. We may no longer be hosting events or operating as a nonprofit, but our commitment to the veteran community remains unwavering. Through our website and online platforms, we will continue to provide resources, share stories, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of our nation’s heroes.
A Personal Note of Thanks
As we take this new direction, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Virtues of Valor over the years. To the donors, volunteers, and advocates who believed in our mission: thank you. Your contributions have made a difference, and your commitment to our veterans is deeply appreciated.
To my fellow veterans: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your strength. Your courage inspires me every day. I see you, I honor you, and I am committed to continuing this work in any way I can.
To those who are struggling: please know that you are not alone. There is a community of people who care about you, who want to support you, and who value your life and your contributions. Reach out, seek help, and know that your battle is one worth fighting.
Moving Forward Together
As we close the chapter on one phase of Virtues of Valor and begin another, I am reminded of the resilience and determination that define the veteran community. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, break down barriers, and build a brighter future for our nation’s heroes.
This Veteran's Day, let us all recommit ourselves to the values of service, honor, and compassion. Let us remember that the fight doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, and that supporting our veterans is a responsibility we all share. And let us never forget the sacrifices made by those who have served and those who continue to carry the burdens of war.
Thank you, veterans, for your service. Thank you for your courage. And thank you for reminding us all what it means to be truly selfless.
God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.
- Founder, Virtues of Valor