Veterans Speak Up: Tackling the Hidden Battle of Mental Health

In North Charleston, a recent Veterans Day event shone a light on a serious issue: veteran mental health. The gathering at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center was more than just a celebration of service; it was a call to action. Michael Cortright, a retired veteran with over 30 years of service, was there. He handed out small American flags, not just as symbols of patriotism, but as a reminder of the veteran suicide crisis. He shared a stark fact: 22 veterans take their own lives each day. That's over 8, 000 lives lost every year. Cortright's message was clear: talking to veterans can make a difference. He calls it "make a friend, save a life. " Cortright's advocacy comes from a deeply personal place. He lost his nephew to suicide while they were both serving in the reserves. He recalled the tragedy, emphasizing that you can't always see the signs of distress in someone. This is why he believes in the power of conversation. The event also honored fallen veterans with a missing man table. Cortright explained that the small flags he distributed represented the nearly 130 veteran suicide deaths in South Carolina. He acknowledged the sacrifice not just of the veterans, but also of their families. Cortright himself has experienced the strain of military service on family life, missing important moments with his son due to deployments. Cortright continues to serve his community through food drives and caretaking. He believes that service is a lifelong commitment. Some attendees wore clothing with the names of fallen loved ones, serving as poignant reminders of the lives lost too soon. The event was a powerful reminder that the battle for veterans doesn't end when they leave the service. It's an ongoing struggle that requires awareness, support, and action from the community.