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# Veterans need not carry their burdens alone
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/veterans-need-not-carry-their-burdens-alone-editor/
- Published: 2006-08-03T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T19:07:43.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Stewart Resmer Santa Monica*

It is with a profound sense of loss and regret that I read of a Santa Monica veteran of the conflict in Iraq who was the sole survivor of an attack that left him disabled and suffering, and who ultimately took his own life (SMDP, July 29, page 1).

I am especially sorry that his wife now endures the burden that claimed her husband. There is no way to know what tormented him so badly as to make the decision to leave us, we who would much rather have fought to save him than to lose him. There is no way to know for sure how many more who carry the daily reminders of combat with them are in crisis, but I very much want anyone who read what happened and who will fight for the life of our next affected veteran to please do something by taking action and support the National Veterans Foundation at their 800 hotline.

The National Veterans Foundation is staffed by veterans who are dedicated to helping veterans in whatever way that they can.

If you know any veteran or a family member of a veteran who is in crisis and you believe they must get help, please take a moment and make a call to the National Veterans Foundation at 888-777-4443 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and let them know. They are standing by and ready to help.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 3, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/080306.pdf?ref=smdp.com)