Hudson, Tillis Highlight Military and Veteran Suicides, Encourage National Warrior Call Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) are encouraging North Carolinians to help combat the rising epidemic of veteran and active-duty military suicides. In a press conference today, both highlighted Nov. 21, 2021 as National Warrior Call Day, a day of outreach to veterans and service members to express thanks for their service and connect them with support resources.
"In North Carolina, Veterans Day is not just one day a year. It is a year-long call to action," said Rep. Hudson. "That's why on National Warrior Call Day, we encourage individuals to reach out to someone they know, active-duty or veteran, and check in on them. Together, we can save lives."
"This holiday season post-Afghanistan, we have to redouble our efforts to save as many men and women as possible," said Sen. Tillis. "On November 21st, if you know someone who may be in crisis, reach out to them and check on them. Let them know it's okay to recognize this as an illness and that there are medical professionals at the VA ready to help."
Watch the full press conference here.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08) encourage
participation in National Warrior Call Day
During the press conference, Rep. Hudson highlighted a recent report from the Pentagon which revealed suicides among Army active-duty forces jumped 46% in the second quarter of 2021, compared to the same period last year. Overall, suicides in the armed forces rose 15% in 2020.
For veterans who served post-9/11, deaths by suicide are four times the number of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to a recent report from Brown University, 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in post 9/11 wars have died by suicide, compared to 7,057 killed in combat operations. Overall, more than 17 veterans commit suicide every single day. However, Rep. Hudson noted this figure is from 2019.
"This means we still do not know the latest impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or botched withdrawal from Afghanistan on veteran suicide," said Rep. Hudson.
This year, Rep. Hudson cosponsored H.Res. 512 designating Nov. 21, 2021 as National Warrior Call Day. This legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act which passed the House. The Senate is considering the bill this week.
In addition to encouraging participation in National Warrior Call Day, Sen. Tillis and Rep. Hudson encourage any veteran in crisis to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.
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