Remember Our Veterans on this Veterans Day

by: Jeremy Stalnecker

There is an epidemic in our country that continues to go largely unnoticed. While politicians and pundits argue about the freedoms outlined in the Constitution, many of those who have defended those freedoms decide that the spiritual and emotional damage caused by their service to this nation has left them irredeemable. While they once fought for the ideals of the America described as the shining city on a hill, twenty years of combat, disillusionment, and a confused nation have caused them to conclude that this life is one they no longer want to live.

As this insidious hopelessness sets in, many of the men and women who proudly wore the uniform of this country, decide to end their own lives. A recent joint study between the University of Alabama, Duke University, and America’s Warrior Partnership, showed that nearly 44 veterans take their lives every day—more than double what is federally reported. The 44 number rings much closer to the truth for those of us in this space who have spent years hearing the stories of loss, broken homes and lives, and stolen futures. Forty-four American service members take their lives every day and too few realize this happening and understand the extent in which we have failed our veterans.

However, not all is lost as countless non-profits are hard at work to end this epidemic. The overwhelming tragedy of veteran suicide is being addressed, more often by veterans themselves, through organizations with the experience and resources to give hope and direction to those in need. Through the work of our organization, The Mighty Oaks Foundation, we have seen thousands of men and women, through our intensive peer-based programs and tens of thousands through our Military Resiliency speaking, find not only hope but restoration and a new life of purpose.

The issue is extensive but thankfully there is also a solution! When men and women understand that God still has a plan for their lives and that they are not alone in this fight, they are able to move beyond the traumas, trial, and difficulties of the past and into a future that they were once unable to see. It becomes possible to find identity in something other than the brokenness that often comes with a life of service.

There is nothing quite as amazing as watching a life once marked by service and selflessness find that renewed purpose and engage once again in making their families, communities, country, and world a better place for others. There is a massive problem, but there is also an incredible solution that has a demonstrated track record of success.

This is why we, The Mighty Oaks Foundation, have decided to issue the “22 for 22 Challenge” this year as we approach Veterans Day. Since the number “22” has come to represent Veteran Suicides, we are issuing a challenge to every person who cares about this issue and wants to do more than simply talk about the problem. For over 10 years, Mighty Oaks has been used to see thousands of men and women make the decision to LIVE for what is in front of them instead of lose hope because of what is behind them.

However, we cannot reach all that need help on our own—we need the community that cares about serving those who have served us. The Challenge is simple: for each of the 22 days leading up to Veterans Day, November 11, do some type of physical activity. Then, reach into your community and ask others to join you and financially sponsor you as you maintain 22 days of activity. In doing so, you help us raise awareness about this epidemic while getting those who need it to the solution.

And just so no one thinks I am asking others what I am unwilling to do myself, for 22 consecutive days I am going to run a marathon each day. One marathon a day for 22 days totaling 576.4 miles!

Unfortunately, we will never move beyond the problem and get to the solution until we come together as a community dedicated to ending this epidemic. We need to understand the tragedy taking place around us and do all that we can to get the hurting to the hope! We need to collectively become the bridge from problem to solution, from hurting to hope, if we are going to make the kind of impact that we can and should.

Will you join the community to bring an end to this tragedy and provide hope and healing to those who need it most? Together, we WILL make a difference!

Jeremy Stalnecker is the Co-Founder, Mighty Oaks Foundation, an accomplished author, and a USMC Veteran. Mighty Oaks Foundation is dedicated to helping America’s military warriors and their families who are suffering from the unseen wounds of combat such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Jeremy has served as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer, and as a Senior Pastor.