Recognizing wounds that don't bleed
Honor for All strives to establish visible recognition of the invisible wounds inflicted upon many of today’s U.S. warriors – wounds caused primarily by:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Depression and Survivor Guilt
These untreated wounds contribute to the suicides by 18 of our veterans and service members each and every day. (National Violent Death Reporting System); some 950 veterans attempt suicide each month – and that is just among those within the VA health care system (Veterans Health Administration (VHA) suicide prevention coordinators (Oct 1, 2008 - Dec 31, 2010).
As a nation, we have honored those with visible battle injuries; we’ve given them medals and awards, but we have failed to honor those whose injuries are invisible yet just as traumatic and debilitating. We have yet to publicly honor or remember those lost to the ultimate invisible sacrifice - suicide. No affirmation has ever been openly expressed to their families and loved ones.
Only with honor and acceptance equal to that of their visibly wounded and fallen comrade can those afflicted with these invisible wounds be expected to claim their just and equal position in the military, the workforce and their communities. Only with honor and acceptance for all, from all, can we begin to dissolve the crippling and life-threatening stigma gravely affecting so many. Let’s become a nation grateful for all our wounded servicemembers, not just the ones who’ve bled.
