Todd Bowers was supposed to testify before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs this morning to talk about what can be done about the high suicide rate for soldiers and veterans. Unfortunately, the committee didn’t have time for him, but I did on my show this afternoon.
Todd is the Director of Government Affairs for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, who served two combat tours in Iraq. He explained the communications problems that keep many veterans from knowing of new services the VA offers, but even those don’t go far enough in dealing with the mental health issues and stigma that soldiers face. The suicide rate for active-duty soldiers is now at its highest level in 26 years.
Listen, then read the testimony that Bowers had to submit in writing.