I lost my oldest son, SrA Stephen Comeau, who was actively serving in the Air Force at Langley Air Force Base on July 12, 2020. He was 1 of 12 suicides that occurred at Langley that year. The number of active duty and veteran suicides that take the lives of those who served and are serving our country still continues today.

When I lost Stephen, I was isolating, pushing myself to move forward, numb, angry, and questioning my purpose in life. Along my grieving journey, I met a VSO who finally understood what I was going through. He made me feel like I was not alone, and that what I was going through and feeling was normal. He provided resources that were available to me, and that’s when I connected with local veterans, a grief counselor at my local Vet Center, Operation Veteran Vacation, American Gold Star Mothers Inc., the USA Veteran Dragonboat Team, and TAPS.

Many Gold Star families and local veterans shared their stories, and it broke my heart. It gave me purpose and empowered me to raise awareness, advocate, and fight for those who deserve justice, closure, and mental health support.

We need to make changes to the current practices, procedures, and policies within the VA and military. We need to end the stigma surrounding mental health and the suicide crisis. These men and women volunteered to serve our country for our freedom and get little to no support from the community, military, or federal/state governmental agencies.

Furthermore, I want our voices heard and to make sure that no fallen hero is ever forgotten.