Commemorations called for by the Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition for veterans who tragically ended their lives post-military service.

Every day in the United States, 22 veterans take their own lives. This staggering statistic has prompted the Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition to take action.

The Coalition, a group of veterans and volunteers, aims to reduce suicide among Northern Kentucky service members, veterans, and their families. Their mission is not only to bring the number of veteran suicides down but to ensure that those who have been lost are not forgotten.

Deb Winkler, a member of the Coalition, knows the pain of loss all too well. Her son, Cpl. Matthew Winkler, a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours overseas as a Senior Intelligence Specialist, took his life after returning home and struggling with PTSD.

Winkler emphasizes the importance of remembering her son during Memorial Day exactly the same as those who died while serving the country. She believes that death by suicide is 100-percent preventable with community support.

The Coalition's efforts are not limited to Memorial Day weekend. They seek to remind people that the internal battles at home for veterans can be as difficult as the external battles abroad. They aim to create relationships and provide education, awareness, and hope.

Doug Witt, a 13-year Army veteran and a founding member of the Coalition, states that many veterans are not able to survive the internal battles at home. He believes that the Coalition's goal to provide resources and connections to veterans is crucial in the fight against suicide.

The United States honours veterans who died defending the country's freedoms each May. However, the Coalition acknowledges that this goal is a huge challenge and will take time. They believe that with the support of the community, they can make a difference and strive to reduce veteran suicide rates to zero.

Sadly, the search results do not contain information about any organization in Kentucky aiming to raise public awareness during Memorial Day weekend about the consequences of war, particularly increasing veteran suicides. The Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition is working tirelessly to fill this gap and ensure that our veterans are not forgotten.

The Coalition's work is a testament to the resilience and compassion of veterans and their families. They stand as a beacon of hope for those who have been lost and a reminder that every life matters. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need, please reach out to the Northern Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and Families Suicide Prevention Coalition for support.

Commemorations called for by the Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition for veterans who tragically ended their lives post-military service.