HAMILTON, Ohio — According to the Stop Soldier Suicide website, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-Sept. 11 veterans. Organizations across the state are working to raise awareness and save lives. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Butler County Veteran Service Commission hosted its Silent Watch

  • During the 17-hour-long Silent Watch, volunteers took shifts standing by a casket with an American flag

  • It was symbolic of watching over the veterans who lost their lives to suicide

  • Organizers hope this event will not only raise awareness around veteran suicide but also help save lives

With his head held high and his hands behind his back, Marine Corps veteran Mike Choate stood proudly by a casket covered with the American flag. He was one of dozens of people who took part in the Butler County Veterans Service Commission’s 17-hour-long Silent Watch on Wednesday. 

“Gratefully there are organizations like this one that essentially says there’s some respect for people who went and served,” said Choate. 

Standing next to the casket was symbolic of watching over veterans who lost their lives to suicide. Choate said it’s important to support veterans like himself, who risked their lives to protect the country.

“I took a lot of pride in the fact that I was able to make it to and through Marine boot camp and I was proud to wear that uniform,” he said. 

Choate enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966 at age 17, and six years after serving he returned home. He said the transition back to civilian life is not always easy.

“For a 19-year-old to go into a war situation like that is not something a 19-year-old should have to do,” he said.

According to the Stop Soldier Suicide website, more than 40% of veterans say they experience high levels of difficulty when transitioning. Studies show they are five-times more likely to contemplate suicide. 

“When they get older and retire you start reliving some of those things — some of those things you saw when you were 19 years old and it becomes hard again,” he said. 

But through the event, Choate said he hopes to help those struggling by raising awareness around suicide and showing veterans that they do have support.  Overall, he said Wednesday’s event was an experience he’ll never forget. 

“A woman drove by, she stopped and rolled her window down and saluted, that made it all worthwhile,” he said. “That made that one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.”