A Sailor’s Story: Witnessing the Struggles of My Fellow Veterans
Sammy - please put this on the website - somewhere else where it stands out. This is a great story!
Kwasi Mensah, CEO of Valor Haven Estates:
A Sailor’s Story: Witnessing the Struggles of My Fellow Veterans
As a former US Navy submarine sailor, I’ve experienced the intense camaraderie and sense of purpose that come from serving alongside my brothers and sisters in uniform. We depended on each other in the most extreme conditions, whether submerged miles below the surface or navigating the pressures of military life. We shared sacrifices, carried each other through challenges, and looked forward to the day we would return to shore, knowing we had earned a lifetime of respect and support. But for so many of us, that promise feels broken.
Over the years, I’ve traveled through states like Nevada, California, Washington, New York, and Maryland, and one heartbreaking reality has become impossible to ignore: the sheer number of homeless veterans on the streets. Many of them are my fellow sailors, soldiers, and Marines—people who once stood tall, serving our country, now reduced to living in broken tents, under overpasses, or in alleys. I’ve seen their worn faces, haunted by the invisible wounds of mental illness, PTSD, and physical ailments, with bodies and minds battered by years of service and neglect.
It shatters my heart to witness their suffering, knowing these men and women gave so much for a nation that has not given enough back to them. The dilapidated conditions they live in are a stark reminder of how our system has failed. The bond we share as veterans doesn’t dissolve when the uniform comes off. Seeing them in this state ignites a deep sadness—and anger—that more isn’t being done to support those who once put everything on the line for others.
The statistics are even more sobering. According to research, the suicide rate among veterans who have experienced homelessness is at least twice as high as for those without a history of homelessness. One study highlights that the suicide rate for veterans with homelessness in the past year was 81.0 per 100,000, compared to 35.8 per 100,000 for veterans without a recent history of homelessness. These numbers don’t just speak to a crisis—they scream it.
I think back to my time on the submarine and how we looked after each other. We didn’t let anyone drown under the weight of their burdens. And yet here, in civilian life, so many veterans feel abandoned, left to navigate the tidal waves of trauma, unemployment, and despair alone. This isn’t just a veteran problem; it’s a societal problem. These individuals, who were once pillars of strength, now need a safety net, not indifference.
There’s an urgent need for change—better mental health services, housing initiatives, and employment programs tailored to veterans. We also need to address the stigma surrounding PTSD and mental illness, ensuring our veterans feel safe seeking help. As a community, we owe it to them to bridge the gap between their service and the life they deserve afterward.
Every homeless veteran I’ve seen reminds me of a simple truth: their stories matter, their sacrifices matter, and their lives matter. It’s time we stand as one nation, just as they stood for us, and fight to ensure no veteran has to endure these struggles alone. If we don’t act, the cost won’t just be in numbers—it will be in the loss of invaluable lives, each one deserving of dignity, respect, and a place to call home.
A Call to Action: Building a Legacy for Our Veterans
I can no longer stand by. I can no longer wait for change that isn’t coming fast enough. I must act, not just for those suffering now but to create a legacy that others can champion long after I’m gone. The opportunity to make that impact has come through Valor Haven Estates. This nonprofit gives me the chance to make a meaningful difference—a chance to change lives, to fight for those who once fought for us.
Valor Haven Estates is more than a mission; it’s a vision for what our country owes its veterans. It’s a commitment to providing safe, stable housing, access to mental health care, job training, and the resources needed to help veterans rebuild their lives. It’s a place where dignity is restored, and hope is reborn.
My goal is not just to be a part of this cause but to inspire others to join it. This fight isn’t just about the present—it’s about leaving behind something greater than ourselves. I want Valor Haven Estates to be the foundation of a movement that future generations can carry forward, a movement that says no veteran will be left behind.
Together, we can turn pain into purpose. We can honor the sacrifices of our veterans by ensuring they have the support they need to live with dignity, strength, and hope. I’m ready to do my part—and I hope others will join me in making a difference, one life at a time. The time to act is now. Valor Haven Estates is where that action begins.