The enemy at home

Alaska is home to generations of veterans. In fact, we are proud to have the highest per capita population of veterans in the nation. Of Alaska’s total 722,718 population, about 77,000 are veterans and family.

Alaska also leads the nation in per capita suicides. In 2007, Alaska averaged 21.8 suicides per 100,000 people. Compare that to the national rate of 11.5 per 100,000, and 35.1 suicides per capita among Alaska Native people.

Some researchers worry that these two data points are a dangerous nexus.

Consider a study by Portland State University public health specialist Mark Kaplan, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, that found male veterans twice as likely to die by suicide as men with no military service, and that those at greatest risk are white, college-educated and living alone in a rural area, most often in a Southern or Western state.

Alaskans are already at greater risk of suicide than their Lower 48 counterparts. So for our veterans coming home, this could be a perfect storm of trouble.

Suicide among veterans isn’t new. What is new is the frequency soldiers are choosing their own deaths over life.

New Pentagon statistics say that one veteran a day — the fastest pace ever — takes his or her own life. Research also shows an increase among veterans in rates of violent sex crimes, domestic violence and child abuse, all of which increased by at least 33 percent from 2006 to 2011.

Why people choose to take their own lives is complicated, and for veterans even more so.

As a state, we’ve struggled to bring down our suicide numbers for decades. We are called now to redouble our efforts to reach out to our neighbors to offer them all the mercy and hope at our disposal.

And that’s where Alaska has a secret weapon in this war on veterans — other veterans.

“First of all, I’d like to say welcome home,” VA spokesman Stephen Cochran said during opening ceremonies for The Moving Wall in Wasilla on June 8. “Second, I’d ask that you reach out to younger vets. We have a wall for what our enemy got, but our enemy continues to take our lives when we get home.”

To our returning veterans, please know that we are humbled by your sacrifice and grateful for your return. You are loved, and nothing you may need in the way of care from us will ever be a negative reflection on your honor, your service or your sacrifice.

To our veterans from previous wars, we join with Cochran in asking for the kind of listening, caring help that is delivered from one vet to another.

To all, we say thank you and welcome home.