It's always time to shine a light on veterans' struggles with suicide and PTSD.
But June, for the third year in a row, was designated Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month in Texas, despite the ongoing need for treatment, understanding and compassion knowing no single month.
June has been Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month in Texas.
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A West Texas State House representative who sponsored legislation for June as the designated month in Texas says he wants anyone who needs that help to reach out.
"If you or a veteran you know is struggling with PTSD or suicidal thoughts please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or text at 838255," Texas State House Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) said in a June 18 Twitter post. "You can find more information at www.veteranscrisisline.net."
Landgraf has represented Texas State House District 81 since 2015 and ran unopposed for another term in November's General Election. Gov. Greg Abbott, in a 2019 endorsement, referred to Landgraf as "a proven conservative leader and a strong voice for the people of West Texas." Landgraf chairs the State House Environmental Regulation Committee and serves on the House Transportation, Redistricting and Administration committees.
Texas State House District 81 stretches across Andrews, Ector, Ward and Winkler counties.
June has been Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month in Texas in no small part because of Landgraf, which he mentioned in his Twitter post.
"In 2019, I worked with a West Texas veteran to author legislation designating this month to shine a light on the ongoing war our veterans face at home," he said.
Landgraf co-sponsored Texas House Resolutio948, which passed in May 2019 and was enacted the following month, designating June as Veteran Suicide and PTSD Awareness Month in the state for a 10-year period beginning that year.
Statistics about veteran suicide and PTSD suggest the need, Landgraf said.
"The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 31% of Vietnam veterans, 10% of Gulf War veterans, 20% of Iraqi war veterans and 11% of veterans from the war in Afghanistan live with PTSD," he said in his tweet. "The suicide rates among veterans is almost two times higher than it is for the general population. We must work together to combat this public health crisis and help our veterans who have served dutifully, and sacrificed so much. This month, I hope you join me in spreading awareness of veterans currently battling PTSD, and remembering those who have sorrowfully perished."