A message of solidarity with those impacted by the events in Afghanistan

The Veterans Knowledge Community (VKC) Advisory Board wants to share a message of solidarity with our students, staff and faculty who are impacted by the events in Afghanistan. As part of our efforts to bring a strong, positive, and cooperative environment to the college campuses we work on, and to the military-connected community we serve, we acknowledge the impact of not only the recent, and ongoing, events in Afghanistan, but also of the 20^th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. Many members of our community have served in, or with, those who served in Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism. Many have had their lives irrevocably changed by that service, and as students return to your campuses (virtual or in-person) it is important to realize that the strong feelings or emotional responses invoked by these ongoing and changing events may affect those students. As advocates for our students, it is important to remind them that they are not alone, and that help and support is available. We urge you to remember that our military-connected students are not impacted exclusively on anniversaries, as such the timing of this message serves as a reminder that supports are needed year-round, and your roles in supporting our students is valued, and is a critical component of their student experience.

 

In addition to your campus resources dedicated to mental health, any veterans can get support from the resources listed below:

Veteran Crisis Hotline, 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or chat online: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 or chat online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers veteran-specific resources: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/veterans/