Frank Larkin is Chief Operating Officer, Troops First Foundation and Chair of Warrior Call

The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) will commemorate Operation Green Light for Veterans November 7–13, lighting buildings green to honor our bravest men and women who have served this nation. The last day happens to coincide with another important initiative to help and recognize troops and veterans: National Warrior Call Day.

Based on a simple premise to ask Americans – but especially those who have worn or are wearing the uniform – to "make a call, take a call, be honest" – Warrior Call Day is geared toward greater connection needed to help reduce the disproportionate suicide rate in the military community. While no panacea, the effort is an important tool in the toolbox and gets at a major contributing factor to people taking their own lives: feeling disconnected. 

The effort is supported by all seven living former Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, a large collection of veteran service organizations (including NACo), and 27 MOH recipients. And, there is a resolution in Congress to mark the date, which features a growing and large list of cosponsors. Interested parties can voice support of this effort to Congress by going here. Individuals can also take the Warrior Call pledge on our website.

The past few years have been uniquely challenging for all Americans, but especially in the military. Invisible wounds linked to an underlying and undiagnosed traumatic brain injury can mirror many mental-health conditions. At the same time, vets can be burdened with moral injury from their experiences. The traumas and undiagnosed traumatic brain injury can impact and erode a person’s sense of hope, leading them to disconnect from friends and family and causing some to see suicide as the only way to relieve their pain and loneliness.

The situation is complicated. Warrior Call can help. Please consider joining our effort.