Project Greenlight, a candle in the window

The Vietnam War ended in 1975, 48 years ago. The Gulf War ended in 1991, 32 years ago. The Iraq War ended in 2011, 12 years ago. The war in Afghanistan ended in 2021, just two years ago. 

But every soldier, marine, sailor and airman who took part in these wars, engaged in the battles and returned home, remembers these events in U.S. history as if they occurred only a few months ago. 

It is a difficult transition to return after such conflicts to the home they left behind. During deployments, one thinks very little of anything but home, family and loved ones. A servicemember dreams of home, covets the day they can hug a family member, drive their car, eat mom’s food or kiss their sweetheart. 

Transitioning home can be easy for some. But there is a part of every service member that has served in war that is left behind there on the field, in the jungle, on the waves or left in the dusty high mountain deserts. 

Although they have lived through the experience, some service members never really do come home. In their minds, they remain there, their hearts remain with their brothers and sisters in arms.  

There is a point in many of their lives when some will seek help. Help to rid themselves of certain memories that cannot be forgotten or ignored, help to find a new purpose in life when they leave the uniform and the military family they grew to love, protect and honor.   

Specialist Scott Turner of Wyoming Army National Guard’s now retired unit, the 1041st Engineers, perhaps said it best upon their return to the U.S. after a long and at times difficult deployment to Iraq. 

“Everything has lost its glitter,” he told his Sergeant a month after being home.  

It’s not a loss of love or adoration for family or country. Conflict on such a scale can and often does change a person’s perception.    

When we honor the sacrifices made by those in uniform, we cherish the memories of fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price to ensure the freedom of their nation. Men and women who have handed over a life to preserve the ideal that all men and women should live free and pursue happiness however they see fit. 

But every service member has made a sacrifice of some part of themselves on the altar of freedom. It is why service members sign on the dotted line, take the oath and train to be a small part of something bigger than themselves. 

Some veterans have trouble going any farther. Taking their own life to end the memories and nightmares. 

According to the VA’s 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, in 2020, suicide was the 13th leading cause of death among veterans overall, and it was the second leading cause of death among veterans under the age of 45. That same year, the suicide rate for veterans was over 57% greater than for non-veteran U.S. adults.

The Sheridan VA Health Care System is asking residents and businesses to display a green light in front of their homes and stores from Nov. 6 – 12, in an effort to show local veterans that they are valued and loved by the community.  

We are lucky to live here, in Wyoming. The Cowboy State and its citizens honor its service members and does not take for granted the sacrifice made to preserve the freedoms this nation values and holds dear. 

If you are a veteran and if you are considering suicide as an option, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1. A grateful Nation asks that you consider other options.

I’m Floyd Whiting, as a veteran and a suicide survivor myself, I can testify that there is a way to make a better tomorrow. 

The Veterans Crisis Line is completely confidential. Or you can talk via chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net. This site also includes additional information for veterans, family members and their friends.