If you or someone you know is in need of help, mental health resources for veterans can be found by calling "988."
VERONA, Wis. — According to data from Veterans Affairs, suicide has been one of the top causes of death for veterans in the past few years. It’s an issue the American Legion and many others are trying to combat.
One way the American Legion is trying to help those in need is through their “Be the One” campaign.
Denise Rohan and David Hosking have been a part of the American Legion for quite some time. They are both veterans and have developed a friendship over the years.
The two are working together to be a part of the “Be the One” campaign to help reduce veteran suicide and check in on other veterans.
The American Legion’s goal is to have veterans keep an eye out for one another and have tough conversations to make sure suffering veterans get the help they need.
“A lot of us have experienced times where we have talked to someone where we have that feeling in your gut that something isn’t right, and you can either let them go home or step up and ask the hard questions,” Rohan said.
The goal of the campaign is to help veterans during the holidays and into the New Year, which is typically a tough time for many.
“That’s what the American Legion is all about. Giving our veterans a place to go to share their stories, share their feelings, and they can be comfortable to ask for help,” Rohan said.
For veteran Hosking, this campaign hits close to home. His son Chuck took his life when he was 18 years old.
“You never know what’s going on, only what they let you know. So you have to ask the tough questions and go from there,” Hosking said.
It’s been a while since he lost his son, but since then he’s dedicated his life to helping others in need.
Prior to working on this campaign, Hosking had a job working at Vet’s Place, where they help veterans struggling with mental health. That’s why being a part of this campaign is special to Hosking, because he knows he can help others.
“Everything I do nowadays I think, ‘would Chuck be proud of me, would Dave and Ang be proud of me?’ If they are, then my life is complete,” Hosking said.
Hosking and Rohan are just two of many veterans ready to help. They said they hope that someone who is in crisis will reach out for the help they need.