Since 2001, more than 114,000 veterans have died by suicide.
That’s an average of 17.2 veteran suicides per day in 2019, according to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
By 2030, they estimate the total number of veteran suicides will be 23 times higher than the number of post-9/11 combat deaths and account for more than $221 billion in public costs.
With numbers like these, and their expected increase in the coming years, one Delaware is cropped up to help current and former soldiers, and one of them is right here in Delaware.
For seven years, Vet Fest in Middletown has raised awareness about veteran suicide and provided resources to help the military community.
Held during national suicide prevention and awareness month, the annual all-day event in Middletown on Sept. 24 offers outreach from mental health groups and peer-to-peer networking while creating a space for military members and civilians to come together and support service members past and present.
It also serves as a fundraising event for Stop Soldier Suicide, an organization that focuses on helping at-risk individuals by providing housing assistance, mental health support and any other personalized care or service someone needs.
Since the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, calls to the Stop Soldier Suicide hotline have drastically increased, and many soldiers don’t know where to start when it comes to acclimating to civilian life or exploring resources related to mental health, said Brian DiSabatino, CEO of EDiS Company and a member of the advisor board for Stop Soldier Suicide.
The main events of the day are the 5K and the 10K ruck, a signature competition where individuals carry a backpack while trekking all the way to the C&D Canal and back.
There will also be musical performances, an awards ceremony and a parade, all while various veterans groups such as American Legion and Wounded Warriors share their missions and help the community.
For some, Vet Fest is a way to express gratitude for our troops. For others, it’s a lifesaver.
“This is a topic that’s become very personal for me. I say that because ever since I got involved, I can’t unsee,” said DiSabatino. “I can guarantee you that while I’m at Vet Fest, someone will tap me on the shoulder and say something to the effect of, ‘if I didn’t come to the event last year, I wouldn’t be here right now.’”
“Not a month goes by that somebody doesn’t self-identify to me as being helped by the process.”
Almost 40 veteran organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars plan to offer resources and come together to create a sense of community for attendees.
During the parade, families of soldiers who died by suicide carry an American flag to quietly honor the veterans.
Although the event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 24 this year, anyone who is unable to attend in person can tune in virtually throughout the weekend.
Started in 2021 to continue Vet Fest’s outreach during the pandemic, a virtual ticket allows people from any location to have access to the same connections and crucial resources as they would if they were there in person.
Vet Fest 2022 already has virtual participants signed up to run from Germany, Japan and Alaska.
“If the civilian world is challenged in accessing mental health care, then imagine the military aspect,” said DiSabatino. “For some reason, in our culture, people feel shamed about discussing mental health. Our goal is to suggest this is really no different than any other wellness program or illness that exists for every other disease.”
To register for Vet Fest or get involved as a volunteer, visit the event page on the Town of Whitehall website.
Mental health resources:https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/health/2022/08/01/when-to-dial-988-the-new-mental-health-crisis-line-in-delawa
