By April Clark Honaker
According the USO (United Service Organizations), rates of suicide among U.S. military veterans are at an unprecedented high and have shown an especially disturbing increase in the last five years.
A report published last summer by Brown University revealed that 30,177 active duty personnel and veterans have died by suicide since 9/11 compared to 7,057 service members killed in war operations. In other words, more than four times as many veterans have died by suicide than at war since 9/11.
Post Commander Tom Boniol of the VFW in Ruston is aware of these statistics.
“A large majority of those that have been in the military have trouble blending back in,” said Boniol. “PTSD has slammed so many young men and women that it’s getting to be like an epidemic.”
He wanted to do something locally to give veterans an opportunity to connect with each other informally.
“I thought it would be a good idea to get the word out and get some guys together to take a load off,” he said.
When the idea came to him, he spoke with Bobby Mounts, also a veteran and owner of PJ’s Coffee in Ruston. The two decided to create a Veterans Coffee Club.
“I think I’m one of the lucky ones to have enough compassion in me to extend it to others,” Boniol said, “and Bobby has graciously opened the door to let me do it.”
The Veterans Coffee Club, which has been active a couple of months, meets every Wednesday morning from 7 to 8 a.m. at PJ’s Coffee. Those attending will receive 25% off drinks and free drip coffee refills.
Boniol said he’s typically there and usually two or three others will stop in, but sometimes it’s just him. He goes anyway and hopes word will spread about the group.
“If we can be the ones that get them in to talk and maybe save a life,” he said, “that would be a good deal.”
Research suggests Boniol is onto something. A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health and the WHO (World Health Organization) both cite social connection as a powerful means of preventing suicide.
According to Boniol, the meetings are about establishing camaraderie.
“We don’t distinctly like to talk about war,” he said. “I don’t think anyone does.”
But those who come will find someone to talk to and might find someone to hunt, fish or enjoy another pastime with.
