PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. – Many veterans face challenges with mental health and feelings of isolation after leaving the military, with 41% reporting feelings of loneliness, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. A simple act as sending a card could make a world of difference.

Space Launch Delta 45 Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce’s new initiative, Voice the Unspoken, aims to provide hope to veterans with this program—one handwritten message at a time.

Through the kindness expressed in writing letters, volunteers are making a profound impact on the lives of veterans in crisis, providing hope, support, and a sense of connection.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have experienced a mental health crisis, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.

In 2020, approximately 17.6 veterans died by suicide every single day, equating to more than 6,400 veteran suicides that year, based on the VA’s 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

“Reaching out to veterans in crisis is so important, and taking a moment to put our thoughts and feelings into words can be a powerful way to connect on a heartfelt level,” said Reginald Bush, a veteran volunteering to write a letter. “This personal act shows a genuine expression of caring for someone in a dark place.”

Military service is unique and involves a blend of sacrifice, discipline and skill, often accompanied by a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie. For many, the transition to civilian life can be challenging, as their military experience may continue to shape their identity.

During World War II, the U. S. Postmaster General Frank Comerford Walker asserted that “frequent and rapid communication with parents, associates, and other loved ones strengthens fortitude, enlivens patriotism, makes loneliness endurable, and inspires to even greater devotion the men and women who are carrying on our fight far from home and from friends.”

Voice the Unspoken helps to bridge the gap between veterans and their communities, strengthening ties between humanity and service members after their enlistment. The initiative hopes that each letter written by a volunteer reassures the veteran who receives that they are not forgotten and reminds them that they are not alone.

“I am a vet and taking care of my fellow vets is a way to continue being part of the team,” said Bush. “Everyone has different life stories, so maybe my story and words of encouragement will resonate in a special way that gives a person the boost they need to continue another day.”

Volunteering can increase feelings of happiness and well-being by 20-30%, according to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health. Community connection is associated with a 30% reduction in symptoms of PTSD, and a 25% reduction in symptoms of depression states the National Center for PTSD.

Writing letters to veterans can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, for the person writing the note and the one receiving it. It may be the first step toward reaching out, engaging in community involvement and repairing broken or lost relationships.

Once a month, volunteers meet on Patrick SFB to create these messages of hope. “Spending an hour writing a letter could have a meaningful impact on the veteran who receives it.” Concludes Bush.

Just as Guardian and Airman readiness enables SLD 45 to provide safe, reliable and assured access to space, supporting the well-being of those who have served strengthens the entire military community—both active and retired.

For more information on Voice the Unspoken contact the SLD 45 Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce at 321-494-3743.