Stephen WhiteheadThere has been much for our nation to consider as the American military presence in Afghanistan winds down after nearly two full decades of conflict. One thing that requires no debate, however, is our solemn duty to care for the men and women who have served around the globe since 9/11.

Each individual veteran will have their own opinion about the withdrawal based on our personal experiences, connections to those we served with, and the memories of those we lost. DAV recognizes the war is still with all of us—and will impact the lives of those who sacrificed and their families for many years to come.

Throughout this process, we have been in contact with the White House and Department of Veterans Affairs to voice the need for increased health care, especially mental health services, for veterans nationwide now and in the years ahead, and both the Biden Administration and Secretary McDonough have pledged to do everything possible to provide that support.

Over the past 20 years, far too many of our brothers- and sisters-in-arms have returned home from war only to take their own lives. The task before us is clear—and vitally important—and DAV will continue working to ensure our nation keeps its promises to this generation of America’s veterans, just as we have for all those who came before.