Veterans Grapple with Mental Health Fallout of Afghanistan Withdrawal

Three years after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, veterans are still struggling with the psychological trauma of the event. A recent poll conducted by Mission Roll Call, a national nonprofit, found that 70% of veterans believe the withdrawal negatively affected their perception of America's legacy in the Global War on Terror and their service more broadly.

In the wake of the hasty withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, veterans have been voicing their concerns about the toll that experience has taken on them. A poll conducted by Mission Roll Call, a national nonprofit that advocates for veterans' issues, revealed that 70% of veterans believe the withdrawal has diminished their view of America's role in the Global War on Terror and their own service.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Jim Whaley, the CEO of Mission Roll Call, spoke to Fox News Digital about the impact of the withdrawal on veterans. "Unfortunately, after the withdrawal, we saw a spike in emergency calls from veterans suffering from anxiety and PTSD," said Whaley. "The vast majority of veterans feel betrayed by the withdrawal, and it has raised a lot of emotions."

Veterans Grapple with Mental Health Fallout of Afghanistan Withdrawal

Whaley noted that the uncertainty surrounding the purpose of their sacrifice has also contributed to the psychological distress experienced by veterans. "Many veterans are left with questions about why they served and whether their sacrifices were in vain," he said.

The National Center for PTSD estimates that 7 out of 100 veterans live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Deployed veterans are three times more likely to develop PTSD than their domestic counterparts.

Veterans Grapple with Mental Health Fallout of Afghanistan Withdrawal

Mission Roll Call's poll also found that 72% of veterans believe the Taliban's advance into Afghanistan was a cause for concern, while 83% are dissatisfied with the level of accountability among senior leaders and civilians responsible for the withdrawal.

"When you think about the sacrifices that veterans and their families made for two decades in the fight against terrorism, and then to have the withdrawal happen the way it did, it's understandable why this causes mistrust and anxiety," said Whaley. "It raises the question of why they made such a sacrifice."

Veterans Grapple with Mental Health Fallout of Afghanistan Withdrawal

Thirteen American service members, mostly Marines, were killed during the withdrawal while assisting in evacuation efforts on August 26, 2021. The incident, known as the Abbey Gate bombing, has left a lasting scar on the veteran community.

Mission Roll Call seeks to address the mental health needs of veterans, including those related to the Afghanistan withdrawal. "We know that on any given day, we lose 22 veterans to suicide," said Whaley. "That number is extraordinarily high and an embarrassment for our country. We need to strive to drive suicides among veterans to zero."

Veterans Grapple with Mental Health Fallout of Afghanistan Withdrawal

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Dial 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.