A poll reveals that US veterans expect the next administration to address the homelessness and health care crises.

This narrative explores the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, numerous U.S. veterans are anticipating significant alterations.

The number of homeless veterans has increased across the country, with 21% of veterans in Chicago and 34% in California experiencing homelessness from 2022 to 2023.

During election season, what is the most important vet-related issue that should be discussed, according to a recent poll by the Georgia-based veteran advocacy group Mission Roll Call?

A quarter of respondents indicated that veteran benefits should be given priority in discussions with presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Both veteran homelessness and veteran health care access were given a ranking of approximately 24%, with 16% stating that veteran suicide support should be given more attention.

According to Mission Roll Call, 97% of the 18.5 million veterans in the U.S. are registered to vote, excluding their families and caregivers.

"Veterans make up the fabric of our country … They provide for the freedoms we all enjoy."

The CEO of the organization, Jim Whaley, stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that veterans are preparing to exercise their right to vote.

"Our country's success is due to the contributions of veterans, who defend our democracy and ensure our freedoms."

Veterans face grave struggles

While up to 40,000 veterans are homeless in the U.S., the suicide rate among veterans is estimated to be between 17 to 22 per day, according to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Mission Roll Call.

According to Whaley, these problems are complex but can be solved if Americans work together, making it an embarrassment for our country.

Veterans' high unemployment rate is a significant contributor to homelessness and suicide, according to Whaley, with approximately 61% of vets reporting underemployment.

Meanwhile, 24% of active-duty military personnel experience food insecurity issues.

"Whaley stated that he believes nobody should accept that fact. He added, "If you're serving your country, you've signed a blank check to defend it, and yet you can't put food on the table.""

If you begin like that and then serve a few years, you'll notice how far behind you are in the civilian world.

He stated that veterans bring exceptional skills, loyalty, and an impressive work ethic to the workplace.

"As a nation, we must address the issue of leaving some of our fellow veterans behind, which goes against the military's principle of not leaving anyone behind."

How presidential candidates can help

The presidential campaigns on both sides of the aisle should address these issues, as stressed by Whaley.

The two vice presidential candidates this election year are military veterans.

While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota (D) both served in the military.

Whaley believes that both men value their service deeply and hopes that this will lead to a meaningful discussion on the challenges faced by veterans and their families.

"Let's discuss the major issues," he stated. "Let's collaborate to alter our current course."

The low recruitment numbers in the Armed Forces could lead to a national defense issue in the future, as Whaley pointed out.

It's not surprising that we're not meeting recruitment targets given the financial struggles, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and employment challenges faced by many vets.

The defense of the country is crucial for all Americans, according to Whaley.

If the best and brightest are not being recruited and retained, and they're not staying in for a career, then we have a problem, he stated.

"I hope that, as military veterans, Vance and Walz will understand the issues and create strong plans to address them, and alter our current course."

Emphasizing that military service is "still one of the highest regarded institutions in our country," Whaley underscored the importance of treating veterans' issues as bipartisan concerns.

Whaley stated, "I hold respect for those who have served, regardless of whether it's been two years or 25. Many of them require support, and as a great nation, we should strive to improve our current situation."

"Both parties need to recognize the importance of the veteran community and the seriousness of the problems we're facing."

Veterans should not lose hope, Whaley advised, and should ensure their voices are heard through voting.

"Veterans understand the importance of voting," he stated. "Having been deployed to regions where voting is restricted or not recognized, they appreciate the significance of exercising their right to vote."

Both parties must acknowledge the significance of the veteran community and the gravity of the issues we face, and take action.