The holidays can be hard for anyone who's lost a loved one, but for veterans already suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can be especially tough.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates a record number 18 veterans commit suicide every day, and now advocates in Arkansas want to see real change.
Retired and living in the country, Doug Odom says he pulls out his motorcycle six days a week.
Not for leisure, but as part of his patriotic duty.
"If I had my way, there would not be a veteran pass away in Arkansas and we not be there for him," Odom says.
As leader of the Arkansas Patriot Guard, he's logged thousands of miles leading funeral processions for veterans, and for the past couple of years, he says more have gone from suicide.
"I think everyone who suffers from PTSD has suicidal thoughts. I have," he says.
Now, advocates are pushing for more help for veterans before they hit rock bottom.
"Suicide became a problem when we came back home," says retired Colonel Mike Ross, who commanded an artillery brigade from the Arkansas National Guard in Iraq for 18 months.
In the first three months home, five of his men took their own lives.
"We don't have a good structure and we don't have preventative programs, and we don't have a good program to keep them to where they don't think there is no relief in sight," Ross says.
Both men hope to find ways to help other veterans preserve life, instead of memorializing them in death that came too soon.
"All honorably served and signed the same dotted line that we did, and we want to be there for them," Odom says.
So far, Odom says the Patriot Guard has volunteered for eight veterans whose deaths were classified as suicides.
Ross says he is working on a program to help streamline services for veterans and their families.
The National and Arkansas Departments of Veterans Affairs have resources and hotlines available to help.
For more information on suicide prevention, click here.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates a record number 18 veterans commit suicide every day, and now advocates in Arkansas want to see real change.
Retired and living in the country, Doug Odom says he pulls out his motorcycle six days a week.
Not for leisure, but as part of his patriotic duty.
"If I had my way, there would not be a veteran pass away in Arkansas and we not be there for him," Odom says.
As leader of the Arkansas Patriot Guard, he's logged thousands of miles leading funeral processions for veterans, and for the past couple of years, he says more have gone from suicide.
"I think everyone who suffers from PTSD has suicidal thoughts. I have," he says.
Now, advocates are pushing for more help for veterans before they hit rock bottom.
"Suicide became a problem when we came back home," says retired Colonel Mike Ross, who commanded an artillery brigade from the Arkansas National Guard in Iraq for 18 months.
In the first three months home, five of his men took their own lives.
"We don't have a good structure and we don't have preventative programs, and we don't have a good program to keep them to where they don't think there is no relief in sight," Ross says.
Both men hope to find ways to help other veterans preserve life, instead of memorializing them in death that came too soon.
"All honorably served and signed the same dotted line that we did, and we want to be there for them," Odom says.
So far, Odom says the Patriot Guard has volunteered for eight veterans whose deaths were classified as suicides.
Ross says he is working on a program to help streamline services for veterans and their families.
The National and Arkansas Departments of Veterans Affairs have resources and hotlines available to help.
For more information on suicide prevention, click here.
