Our Veterans Facing Addiction
When Service Becomes a Battle: Honoring and Helping Our Veterans Facing Addiction As the tender hues of dawn brush the sky this Memorial Day weekend, a somber reflection falls upon us. It’s a time not merely to ignite barbecue grills or revel in the bliss of a long weekend—it’s a time to pay homage to those who’ve drenched the soil with their sweat, tears, and blood for our nation's call. Yet, amidst the valor we remember, lies a silent battle that rages on—the struggle with addiction that afflicts many veterans who have served with honor. It is crucial—now more than ever—to tear down the all-too-common misbelief that addiction signifies a lack of willpower. Addiction does not discriminate; it is a relentless force that can besiege anyone, including our most revered soldiers. Their sacrifice for our freedom earns them respect, independent of the personal wars they wage post-service—a fight for normalcy, a fight against an unseen foe: addiction. These men and women who once stood f...