For over 20 years, I’ve had the honor of writing our Memorial Day newsletter and I thank you for all your feedback. This year’s focus is a tough one and I hope you’ll take the time to read it.
Maybe you’re like me and do not have a recent connection to the military, so Memorial Day often includes barbecues, watching the Indy 500, putting up the flag or taking our first camping trip of the season.
Marcus Denetdale, M.Ed. (Diné), Regional Associate Director, Home Base Arizona, shared with me, “Memorial Day is often seen as a holiday weekend for families to gather and enjoy time together, yet at its core, it is a solemn occasion—a time to reflect, honor, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.”
A few years ago, I met Marcus at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention and reached out to him to read this article. Marcus works for Home Base which is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for veterans of all eras, service members, military families and families of the fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location.
Let’s step back for a moment.
For those of us who entered our formative years in the ’80s or before, our “perception” of Memorial Day was probably connected to relatives who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and even the first Iraq War.
Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a very different military, encompassing new generations and some shocking statistics as we reflect on those we’ve lost this Memorial Day.
Based on data from 2013 to 2023, suicide has become the leading cause of death among active-duty service members. And according to the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs, the suicide rate for Veterans is 1.5 times higher than that of the general population.
U.S. soldiers are now more likely to die from suicide than any other cause. This upward trend underscores the ongoing challenges the military faces in addressing mental health and suicide prevention.
Suicide rates are notably higher among Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals in the U.S. military and veteran populations compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
According to Jack Hammond, Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Executive Director, Home Base in last year’s Memorial Day message, “More than 7,000 of our warriors were killed in action during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but 30,000 more lost their lives to suicide at home, leaving a wake of destruction and grief within their families.”
Over two million neighbors, friends and family members serve our country
As of September 2023, the military included 2,079,142 personnel and 778,539 civilians. Of those military members, the Department of Defense (DoD) listed nearly 1.29 million as active-duty troops, and 767,238 as National Guard or Reserves.
Currently, thousands of Native Americans and Alaska Natives serve across all branches of the U.S. military—including active duty, reserve, and National Guard components. According to the Department of Defense, Native Americans make up approximately 1.7% of the active duty force, despite comprising about 1.3% of the U.S. population [DoD Demographics Report, 2021]. More broadly, Native Americans have served in the U.S. military at disproportionately high rates; since 9/11, nearly 19% of Native Americans have served in the Armed Forces, compared to about 14% of individuals from other ethnic groups.
Solutions? The gaming industry — both commercial and Tribal — has contributed millions of dollars annually to improve the communities in which they do business, with some donating to organizations that assist active and retired veterans. Can our industry do more to drive awareness, to help military and their families in need?
In the private sector — there are several groups that support veterans and rely on private donations as well as grants, this includes Home Base. Marcus shared, “Home Base’s Native American Veteran and Families’ programs provide clinical intensive outpatient care in Boston and now at San Carlos Apache Health Care. Their care reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and PTS symptoms. By addressing these issues, we aim to help prevent suicidal ideations among veterans and increase quality of life. Many veterans have experienced suicidal ideations in the past, and our treatment aims to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.”
At the state and federal government level — there have generally been five key initiatives aimed to reduce military suicides, that are impacted by changing administrations (and our votes): Policy reforms and leadership engagement; Enhanced training and education; Mental health resources and accessibility; Community and peer support programs and Firearm safety measures
What can we ask of ourselves?
Awareness is the first step toward change — until we recognize a problem, we can’t begin to solve it. So, if this article gave you more information than you had before, like me, then that’s a great start.
Our nation is divided on military spending, foreign policy, and the value of worldwide humanitarian aid and infrastructure, amongst other key issues.
This Memorial Day and in the following months, let’s have those conversations across the aisles and in our neighborhood streets, as a community. Let’s ask if we are providing, at the very minimum, the best fundamental support to our current military as we adapt to changes in the future.
To those who have lost loved ones, our hearts are with you as we honor all those who have given their lives while serving their country.
If your organization supports Native and non-Native veterans through donations or through direct assistance, please contact us at Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Magazine. It is critical that we share these efforts to gain more exposure and increase awareness.
Respectfully,
Christine Faria
Executive Editor
Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Magazine
christine@tgandh.com | www.tgandh.com
