Soldier on a mission to save lives as data casts somber light on veterans' death by suicide rate

Suicide Prevention: A veteran's mission to save lives

Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs casts a somber light on the ongoing challenges facing America's veterans.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 3:33PM

RAEFORD, N.C. -- As the nation marks Suicide Prevention Month, data from the Department of Veterans Affairs casts a somber light on the ongoing challenges facing America's veterans.

In 2023, an average of 17.5 veterans died by suicide every day, with the highest risk found among veterans aged 18 to 34.

For Michael Elliot, a 27-year Army veteran and founder of the All Veterans Group in Raeford, the says statistics are personal.

Elliot's best friend and fellow Afghanistan veteran, Sgt. Dave Wherley, died by suicide in 2013, just twenty days after the pair worked together to launch a parachute program designed to help fellow veterans find purpose after service.

"Every day I walk in, I see him, I walk out, I see him," Elliot said. "I know that what I'm doing, my purpose-driven thing, is important."

Sgt. Dave Wherley (Photo Credit:Michael Elliot)

Elliot's initiative, inspired by his friendship with Wherley, uses parachuting as a way for veterans to apply their military skills, build camaraderie, and, most importantly, connect with others who understand their struggles. "This is a way to continue to write the chapters for other veterans, to see that there's someone out there to care and understand," Elliot said.

The numbers are stark

According to the VA, 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023.

While the number declined slightly from 6,422 in 2022, experts say the persistent toll remains a national crisis.

The crisis is not limited to former service members; in 2024,471 active-duty service members also died by suicide.

Experts say many at risk are not seeking help: about 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2013 had not received VA health care in their final year.

Dr. Scott Klenzak, program director at Cape Fear Valley Psychiatry, says recognizing warning signs is crucial.

"The person might go through withdrawals. They may not return messages. They seem disconnected, seem down. They often resort to using more substances, alcohol or marijuana or other substances. They can be more irritable," Klenzak said. "The most important thing is you can't get help if you're isolated. Don't suffer alone. Reach out to a friend. Reach out to a family member."

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under 45.

Elliot, who honors Wherley's memory with a team of 25 veterans traveling the country to support others, says the pain of loss drives his mission: "I knew Dave quite well and had no idea that he would take it to that level."