The following is a message from HVAF President & CEO Brian Copes (who served in Afghanistan):

My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow veterans and service members who served in Afghanistan. I want to affirm for our veterans and service members; and their families, friends, and supporters; that the extraordinary devotion and sacrifice put forth in that war were not in vain. The mission of protecting America from terrorist attacks WAS successful. Let not your hearts be troubled for we served well and faithfully and did all that was asked and required of us. Be at peace, and content that you served with honor and courage.

I echo the President’s thoughtful remarks in his address to the Nation:

“I want to recognize the incredible sacrifice and dedication that the U.S. military and civilian personnel, serving alongside our Allies and partners, have made over the last two decades in Afghanistan.

I want to honor the significance of what they’ve accomplished and the great personal risk they encountered and the incredible cost to their families: pursuing the terrorist threat in some of the most unforgiving terrain on the planet … ensuring there hasn’t been another attack on the homeland from Afghanistan for the last 20 years; taking out Bin Laden.

I want to thank you all for your service and the dedication to the mission so many of you have given, and to the sacrifices that you and your families have made over the long course of this war.

We’ll never forget those who gave the last full measure of devotion for their country in Afghanistan, nor those whose lives have been immeasurably altered by wounds sustained in service to their country.”

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If you are experiencing distress, anger, sadness, and other emotions right now, please know that you are not alone. I urge you to reach out to your fellow veterans, friends, family, and us at HVAF.  We are here for you.

Here are other resources to help you during this difficult time:

• Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
  • For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
• Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• RallyPoint – Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
• VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. & SAT 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. EST)