CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG-TV) – As nearly 2,000 Iowa Army National Guard members prepare for a year-long deployment to the Middle East, the founder of a group that assists veterans emphasizes the importance of supporting their mental health upon return. President of “Salute to the Fallen”, John Thompson, told KCRG-TV the number of veterans they’ve assisted across the state is more than double from last year. While it’s a number he said doesn’t surprise him, he also said it’s an issue that needs to be talked about openly.

Thompson keeps track of all the veterans he receives a call for help, but state and national statistics are more than two years old. The VA reports 17 veterans die by suicide daily with Iowa’s rate slightly higher than the nation’s. Thompson said there’s a reason why the numbers he sees might be going up:  After five-years, the effects of withdrawing from Afghanistan are starting to be seen.

Thompson said with nearly 2,000 Iowa National Guard members deploying, this is the time to discuss veteran suicide and the difficulties veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.