08/29/2026
2026-2027 VFW Auxiliary National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador Beth West's focus this year is on Post-Traumatic Stress and mental health awareness.
She explains, "This is very personal for me and something I am passionate about as a spouse to and granddaughter of veterans who struggled/are struggling with PTS. The family suffers, too. Secondary PTS is perhaps less recognized and diagnosed than PTS, yet just as prevalent in the immediate families of veterans living with PTS. Our focus should be on promotion of the resources we have to help those struggling and to educate the public on them as well."
Some suggestions she gives to make this happen include holding a veteran/military resource fair, asking a qualified speaker to address your meeting about su***de prevention, PTS and Secondary PTS or promoting the 988 (then press 1) Su***de Prevention and Crisis Lifeline.
As a reminder, September is Su***de Awareness Month and it's already right around the corner, which makes this an idea time to start planning ahead for an event, project or promotion that helps to increase awareness and offer support.
