Suffolk Legislator Chad Lennon, the only veteran on the 18-member county legislature, joined 28 fellow servicemen and women this week in a 22-mile kayak from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Port Jefferson, a symbolic journey to call attention to the epidemic of veteran suicides.
The crossing, which has become an annual tradition for Lennon, tested the endurance of the participants but also underscored the theme of resilience. “This year seemed easier until we ran into a storm,” Lennon said. “However, we weathered the storm together and came in as one team just as we come together to support our veterans. I am proud to stand with all my fellow veterans, and together we will overcome the epidemic of veteran suicides. I challenge everyone to make 22 calls this month to check on your buddies.”
The “22” is not random. A 2012 Veterans Administration report estimated that 22 veterans die by suicide each day. The VA’s latest data shows that veterans are 57 percent more likely to take their own lives compared with their civilian peers, with post-9/11 veterans at particularly high risk. Mental health struggles, post-traumatic stress, and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life all contribute to the crisis.
Suffolk County has one of the largest veteran populations in New York State, with more than 90,000 men and women who served in the armed forces. As a Marine Corps reservist who deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Lennon has made it his mission in public office to ensure those veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.
Since taking office, Lennon has spearheaded initiatives to expand mental health services, improve housing access, and strengthen job training for veterans returning to the workforce. He has also supported partnerships with nonprofits that provide counseling, peer support, and crisis intervention.
“Our county is home to more veterans than anywhere else in New York,” Lennon said. “That means we also carry a greater responsibility to make sure no veteran is left behind. Whether it’s through programs we fund, partnerships we build, or simply checking in on a friend, every effort matters.”
At the conclusion of the kayak trip, which ended at Port Jefferson Harbor, families, supporters, and community leaders greeted the veterans with cheers. But Lennon stressed that the real finish line lies in reducing the staggering toll of suicide among those who served.
“We can all do something,” he said. “It doesn’t take much to pick up the phone and check in on someone who might be struggling. Those small acts of connection can save lives.”
If You Need Help
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 to connect directly with counselors trained to help veterans.
- Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency: Assists with benefits, counseling, and referrals. Call 631-853-8387.
- Northport VA Medical Center: Offers mental health, primary care, and crisis support for veterans. Call 631-261-4400.
- PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project: A Suffolk-based program where veterans help veterans through peer-to-peer counseling and group support. Call 631-853-8345.