I was almost a statistic. 

I served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an AH-1W “Super Cobra” attack pilot. But sitting in my apartment in 2010, I didn’t understand why I came home from a war and many of my friends didn’t. In a moment of despair and desperation, I reached for my gun. 

John, had it not been for the intervention of a friend ensuring that I didn’t have access to my guns, I wouldn’t be alive today. 

That friend kept me from turning my temporary crisis into a fatal ending. Because of that, I was able to get the help I needed — even going on to getting my Ph.D. and leading suicide prevention work at Brady. But not all veterans are so lucky. 

Women veterans like me are more than 2x as likely to die by suicide than civilians.

That’s why I’m personally asking you right now:  
 

Today, in honor of Memorial Day, will you join me and call on Congress to address our country’s veteran suicide crisis?

Memorial Day is meant to be a time when we reflect on those who died in battle. So today, please join me in asking Congress to prevent tragedies that end lives after veterans survive the battlefield.  

I believe that honoring those we lost in battle also means ensuring our veterans stay safe after they return home. Thank you.

Kyleanne Hunter, PhD
USMC, Retired
 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a time of crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).