Why Do So Many Veterans Kill Themselves? And How Do We Solve This Once and For All?

About five years ago, my best friend committed suicide. He was a commander of a Marine Reconnaissance unit.? Before the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command? (MARSOC) was formed around 2006, Reconnaissance Marines were the “Special Forces” of the Marine Corps, like Army Green Berets or Navy SEALS.?

He had several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His current tour was winding down and he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t have a family. No wife, no kids.?

Not even a goldfish.

He was considering going back to Iraq or Afghanistan. “Just to have something to do.’’

I? didn’t quite know what to say. You see, I was a Marine too but was never involved in combat.?

We were having a few drinks in Hermosa Beach in a bar across the street from my place.?

We said goodnight.

He was back in that same bar a few nights later. Same bartender. He had a few drinks and went back to his place. Went to his nightstand and took out his will.

And a gun. He shot himself.

22 Military Veterans Commit Suicide. Every Day

I’ve seen that number before.?

Why so many?

You have to understand, when you’re in the military, you have a purpose. You and your team have a mission that must be completed. You are always working on that mission or getting ready for the next one.??

You have a purpose.?

For many vets, when they leave the military, they don’t have a purpose. Without a purpose, they don’t have a reason for getting out of bed in the morning.? On top of that, having PTSD can make it 10x as hard.?

I have a job. Sure, I work to make money so my family and I can have a nice life. But my purpose has become so very clear to me now… my purpose is to help other vets find their purpose. To give them a reason to get out of bed every morning.?

And I tell them, if you don’t have a purpose, make your purpose finding your purpose in life.?

Let’s get those veteran suicide numbers down to zero.

Brett Henderson is the Founder of Strategic Wealth Endeavor in Hermosa Beach, CA. Strategic Wealth Endeavor provides wealth management services and business consulting for veteran entrepreneurs.?

After college, Brett served as a Captain in the Marine Corps in an armor unit in Camp LeJeune, NC.? As a veteran, he knows it’s difficult in the civilian world to replicate the sense of comradery, selflessness, and teamwork the military instills in its members. Brett lets his clients know that he and his team are there to support them. They can help them succeed in business. They can also help them create wealth or keep the wealth they already have.?

If you’re interested, call Brett at 310-491-7045. You can also get on his calendar here.?