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The bleak scenario left Fink wondering, what could he provide that could be more effective? Many are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and prescribed medications to help with mental health. But what can be done? In addition to government Veterans Affairs programs around 50,000 non-profits exist in North America with aims to address veterans’ unique needs. Now into 2021, Fink said the statistics are getting worse with veteran suicide rates at around 24 deaths per day. That amounts to 155,000 veteran suicide deaths between 2005 and the end of 2020 a staggering number when it’s compared to the 7,000 vets killed in the global war on terrorism. The statistics, ask Fink laid out, are gut-wrenching: every 64 minutes a veteran commits suicide. Upon his completion of service, Fink, like so many other combat veterans, was faced with the daunting task of re-assimilating to civilian society. He saw a deceased police officer a mangled torso.Įntering the military had never crossed Fink’s mind, but seeing the horror unfold in New York City inspired him to join the Navy where he became a Seal and paramilitary contractor. Fink was working on a telephone pole in Queens when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Where were you when the 911 attacks occurred? It’s a question many of us have asked and answered an event of such magnitude is sure to be burned into memories for a lifetime.įor Micah Fink, the unfathomable event was more than just a brief recollection of location and reaction to the terrorist attacks – he experienced it firsthand.