Veterans Day: Let’s Talk For Real
Okay not your typical Veteran's Day Blog entry... yes I get it - “Thank you for your service” is kind. But what really lands is a conversation. Next time you’re with a Veteran, try:
“What was your proudest moment in uniform?”
“What do you remember fondly—your ship, squadron, crew?”
“What was the hardest stretch, and what helped you through it?”
That’s our mission at Old Salt Coffee: bring Sailors together—past and present, at sea or ashore—to share sea stories over a a cup of Old Salt Coffee.
Why the conversation matters
Staying connected isn’t just nice—it protects. The VA’s latest national report shows that in 2022, 6,407 Veterans died by suicide, about 17.6 per day (6,407 ÷ 365 ≈ 17.6). That’s the most current national year available from VA today.
Source: VA, 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (Part 1 PDF; Part 2 PDF; data hub). Mental Health VA+2Mental Health VA+2
After adjusting for age and sex, risk is higher for Veterans than non-Veterans. In 2022, the suicide rate for male Veterans was ~44% higher than for non-Veteran men (42.7 vs. 29.6 per 100,000), and for female Veterans ~92% higher (14.2 vs. 7.4).
Source: RAND summary of VA data (overview). RAND Corporation
For those still serving, DoD tracks a different population. The most recent report counted 523 Service members lost in 2023 across the Total Force.
Source: DoD, Annual Report on Suicide in the Military (CY2023) (PDF—Defense Suicide Prevention Office; alt link: Army Resilience). Defense Security Service+1
How to check in (no script required)
Open the door. Ask one of the questions above and let it breathe.
Say what you see. “You’ve seemed off—want to talk?”
Skip the minimizers. Try “That sounds heavy” instead of “Others have it worse.”
Offer a hand, not homework. A ride, a meal, a call together.
If you’re worried, ask plainly. “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not plant the idea and can open a lifeline. See: Veterans Crisis Line guidance (what 988/Press 1 is, call now). Veterans Crisis Line+1
Lifelines and practical help
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988, then Press 1 (or text 838255, or chat online). You don’t need to be enrolled in VA care.
Links: Home, What is 988?, Call. Veterans Crisis Line+2Veterans Crisis Line+2
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Money stress is real and solvable. Check out Quick Assist Loans and more support services:
Links: NMCRS home, Quick Assist Loans, QAL program update. NMCRS (en-US)+2NMCRS (en-US)+2
Your nudge to act today
Text a Shipmate. Invite someone for a porch coffee. Add 988 (Press 1) to your phone. Small moves, big wake.
If you’ve got a sea story that shaped you, share it with us—we feature reader stories and photos on our Sea Stories page. Hoist a Mug and keep the conversation going.
Sources (active links)
VA, 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report — Part 1, Part 2, Data & Reporting hub. Mental Health VA+2Mental Health VA+2
RAND, “Suicide Among Veterans” — summary of 2022 age- & sex-adjusted differences. RAND Corporation
DoD, Annual Report on Suicide in the Military (CY2023) — PDF (alt: PDF). Defense Security Service+1
Veterans Crisis Line — Home, What is 988?, Call now. Veterans Crisis Line+2Veterans Crisis Line+2
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society — Home, Quick Assist Loans, QAL update.