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Why We Exist: By The Numbers
There are several reason why our mission is urgent, important, and effects every American. Here are some rough estimates on what is happening within our country to those who serve:
17.6 veterans will commit suicide today (was 17 in 2022; as of 2026 these numbers are grossly underreported)
1 military servicemember will commit suicide today (as of 2026 these numbers are grossly underreported)
https://dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/app/summaryData/deaths/byYearManner
The current number is unknown as there has been no record to keep up-to-date records since April 2022.
187 members of law enforcement will commit suicide this year (was 176 in 2020; as of 2026 these numbers are grossly underreported)
https://1sthelp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Law-Enforcement-Deaths-by-Suicide_DRAFT3-2.pdf
est. 100-120 firefighters will commit suicide this year (was est. 100 in 2022; as of 2026 these numbers are grossly underreported)
Over 40,000 veterans and active duty servicemembers are homeless this year
https://academic.oup.com/epirev/article-abstract/37/1/177/412707?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false
About 107,400 of all incarcerated individuals are veterans
Military servicemembers CAN be denied burial with honors if they commit suicide. According to the United States Air Force, it is the right of the families to fight that leadership decision. Only leadership, someone in the chain of command, can deny a request for burial with honors.
These numbers could be higher as the suicide data listed above is strictly based on two factors: (1) coroner's determination of suicide and (2) the individual was reported as belonging to of the above groups.
Biggest reported issues
Access to transportation for those under the age of 60 years.
Ageism was a major issue as younger disabled veterans were denied access to these services when available.
Access to help in a timely manner where the person on the other line was someone who also served in some capacity.
Rejecting the aid of communities like the VFW and American Legion where “watering holes” (bars) are located. The inability to relate and meaningfully connect with civilians.
Access to immediate and quick mental health intervention and care without red tape.
Too much paperwork or a lack thereof can stimulate frustration, hopelessness, and create internal turmoil.
Inability to communicate or properly articulate thoughts and feelings, issues of PTSD, and on the job stressors with one’s family.
Unwilling to speak up or out, due to fear of rejection, humiliation, or retaliation.
Inability to find a safe space to properly shut-down and mentally re-center one’s self.
Unable to find a place just for themselves. Example: A man-cave or a she-shed, the gym.
Access to stable and reliable services by organizations that actually keep their service agreement with the individual(s) seeking assistance.
Example: Two CCLT4Vets patrons were denied services by another nonprofit organization that claimed they were going to assist them, than ghosted them, with their housing needs.
Access to easy transitional jobs and careers, as well as translating military experiences into relevant jobs and careers that are marketable.
Issues properly advocating for themselves. Issues with HR never following up. Issues with a lack of metaphorical hand-holding (which some individuals do need).
Child care that works for the working class veterans, current uniformed servicemembers, and first responders.
Not everyone has a co-parent or an army to help them raise their kids for numerous reasons from being widowed, impaired, disabled, abandoned, living in isolated conditions, and other issues.
Medal of Honor News! Pay Increase as of December 1, 2025
Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act (S.214/H.R.695) has passed into legislation for those who are recipients of the Medal of Honor and their spouses. The monthly payments increased from $1,489.73 to $5,625 for the veteran and $1,406.73 for spouses of deceased recipients. Read the legislation as unanimously agreed upon my Congress.
Cite this page (based on most recent updates):
(APA)
Raguso, M. C. (2025, October 17). Research. CCLT4Vets. https://www.cclt4vets.org/research
(Chicago)
Raguso, MarieAnn C. Research. CCLT4Vets. October 17, 2025. https://www.cclt4vets.org/research
(MLA)
Raguso, MarieAnn C. Research. CCLT4Vets, 17 October 2025, www.cclt4vets.org/research
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