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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:
17.5 veterans will commit suicide today
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2023/2023-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL-508.pdf
1 military servicemember will commit suicide today
https://dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/app/summaryData/deaths/byYearManner
183 members of law enforcement will commit suicide this year
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4536806/
100 firefighters will commit suicide this year
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/firefighter-fatalities-2021.pdf
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
https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/vpspi16st.pdf
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).
"Each number, each issue represents real people. This is why we serve." - Dr. MAC
Life-Saving Tactics
What works for us and others like us.
"Invisible wounds: Living with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)"
Mini-Documentary
This film was produced in collaboration with a small group of British military veterans from recent conflicts, who have all been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They hope to give an insight into the experience of living with this condition, which they believe is poorly understood.
"Serving Those Who Have Served: Creative Arts for Veterans"
"Understanding the Transitional Needs of Servicemembers to Veterans: A focus on mental, social, and behavioral health."
MarieAnn C. Raguso. 2024. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (657)
"Veterans’ Self-Expression in Poetry" (Dale Tracy)
Research Study
"Research shows that Veterans benefit from writing poetry for therapeutic purposes. This article suggests the need for future research that considers the effects of the artistic choices that Veterans make when using poetry to engage their experiences. The author focuses on one Veteran’s poem about what it means to write poetry as a Veteran. Brian Turner’s “Here, Bullet” comes from his poetry collection about his time as an American infantry team leader in Iraq. This poem centers on a solider whose body is in danger in a conflict setting. The poem becomes an alternative space to his body, a space in which he can work with his experiences. Treating Veterans’ poetry as art can help people working with Veterans in therapeutic settings learn more about what value Veterans find in reading and writing poetry. Research shows the positive effects of creative self-expression and, specifically, poetry therapy for Veterans, including Veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder."
"Our Path"
Mini-Documentary
Suicide awareness goes beyond just reading—it’s about seeing the faces behind the statistics. Photographer John Rizzo brings this reality to life, capturing the stories of an already at-risk population through his powerful imagery.
Advocacy & Legislation
We didn't set out to be advocates, but here we are...
New York State legislation is leading the way in restoring VA benefits for those who were discharged other-than-honorable. "In 2019, the Restoration of Honor Act was signed into law in New York State. The Restoration of Honor Act authorizes DVS to restore access to State Veterans Benefits to Veterans who have an Other-Than-Honorable Discharge (OTH) or a General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge due to certain conditions."
New York State. (2019). Restoration of Discharge Act. New York State Department of Veterans' Services.
Bills that could make a major impact on the lives of veterans that were introduced without follow-through, so far.
How much money can you actually make if you are considered unemployable by the VA?
According to the VA Claims Insider's article, "VA Unemployability Income Limits 2024" it depends on your house size.
2024 TDIU Income Limits (Projected)
One person (unrelated individual): $16,722
Under 65 years: $17,115
65 years and over: $15,778
Again, these are only projections and are based on a 3.2% increase.
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is slowly bringing home POWs and MIAs who were lost to time and their families for many years or even decades. One such contractor who is helping to bring them home is Project Recover.
Veterans are sometimes censored, so advocacy is on the rise. Veterans are also under-reported for incarceration, homelessness, and suicide rates. Advocacy groups like ours and like the Disabled Veterans Organization are challenging this.
Krause, B. (2010-2023). Articles. Armo Press, LLC.
Who and how to contact your Hudson Valley County Executives:
Orange – Steven M. Neuhaus, 845-291-2700
Sullivan – Joshua Potosek, 845-807-0450
Ulster – Jen Metzger, 845-340-3800
Greene – Greene County Administrator, Shaun S. Groden, 518-719-3270
Dutchess – Sue Serino, 845-486-2000
Putnam – Kevin M. Byrne, 845-808-1001
Rockland – Ed Day, 845-638-5122
Westchester – George Latimer, 914-995-2000
Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection (LESDC)
The FBI’s Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection (LESDC) provides a national, anonymous database to track suicides and attempts among law enforcement, corrections, 911 operators, judges, and prosecutors. This helps agencies and professionals better understand risk factors, design targeted prevention programs, and advocate for stronger mental health support. For consultants and researchers, the LESDC offers validated federal data that can strengthen research, policy recommendations, and program development. Key Take-a-ways:
Anonymous national data on law enforcement suicides and attempts.
Supports prevention efforts, policy change, and mental health advocacy.
Provides credible data for research, consulting, and program development.
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