Across continents and communities, renewed efforts are emerging to address the complex challenges faced by military and maritime veterans—especially those who have long been overlooked or under-supported. From legislative action in Pennsylvania to international educational partnerships in Ukraine, and advocacy in the United Kingdom, the past week has seen a surge in initiatives aimed at recognizing, supporting, and reintegrating veterans into civilian life.
In Pennsylvania, Senator Devlin Robinson, himself a United States Marine Corps veteran, has taken a significant step by introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2025 as Veterans Suicide Awareness Month. Senate Resolution 141, as reported by local outlets, seeks to shine a light on the silent struggles many veterans endure, while bolstering outreach efforts through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The statistics are sobering: veterans are one-and-a-half times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans, and for female veterans, the risk is more than double. Each year, approximately 250 veterans in Pennsylvania alone lose their lives to suicide—a number that underscores the urgency of intervention.
Robinson’s words echo the gravity of the situation: “Veterans deserve our unwavering support not only in recognition of their service, but in addressing the burdens they may carry in silence. Trauma, stress, addiction and loneliness are challenges no one should face alone.” He further emphasized, “If you or someone you love is struggling, please ask for help. You are valuable. You matter. And you are not alone.”
The resolution is more than symbolic; it supports the DMVA’s community-based outreach, ensuring veterans in crisis have access to vital resources and compassionate care. For those in need, the Veterans Crisis Line—reachable at 988—offers free, confidential support around the clock. The DMVA also provides guidance and local connections to assist veterans and their families, reinforcing the message that help is always within reach.
Meanwhile, the challenges facing veterans are not limited to the United States. In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has led to a dramatic increase in the number of women serving in the armed forces. According to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the number of female soldiers in Ukraine has surged about fifteenfold, now reaching approximately 70,000—a figure expected to grow as the conflict continues. Recognizing the unique hurdles these women face as they transition from military to civilian life, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has launched a $2-million, five-year international project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, to support their reintegration.
The project, known as the Women’s Veterans Reintegration Project, will provide employment programs, career training, and psychosocial support tailored to the needs of Ukrainian women veterans. Angela Wojcichowsky, director of international projects for Saskatchewan Polytechnic, explained the program’s origins: “Currently, there are lots of projects in Ukraine to support military veterans on the psychological PTSD side of things. But what we really saw was a gap in employment—how to transition what you were doing in the army.”
Wojcichowsky elaborated, “For example, if you were a logistics person, could you translate those skills into a supply chain management job? Or did your training in the military prepare you for certain jobs within civil society?” Drawing on experience from programs developed with the Canadian Armed Forces, Saskatchewan Polytechnic aims to adapt these models to Ukraine’s context. The initiative will create resources, trainers’ handbooks, and assessment tools for career development, while hiring staff and trainers in Ukraine and utilizing faculty from Saskatchewan Polytechnic for training delivery.
This isn’t Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s first foray into international collaboration with Ukraine. Since 2005, the institution has participated in three major projects there, as well as vocational education and training reforms in Vietnam, Ghana, and Jordan. Their expertise in managing such programs bodes well for the success of the new initiative, which seeks to fill a critical gap in the support system for Ukrainian veterans.
Back in the United Kingdom, visibility and advocacy for veterans—especially those from non-traditional backgrounds—have taken center stage with the appointment of Captain Louise Sara MNM as the first patron of Veterans Outreach Support (VOS). As Fleet Captain and Director of Maritime Standards at Carnival UK, Captain Sara has broken significant ground in her field. She began her maritime career in 2000, and in 2013 became P&O Ferries’ first female and youngest captain. Her distinguished service was recognized in 2024 when she received the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service, honoring her leadership in seafarer welfare, safety, diversity, and inclusion.
Captain Sara’s patronship of VOS comes at a symbolic moment—the 10th anniversary of Merchant Navy Day in 2025. Her advocacy is particularly noteworthy for its focus on the visibility of often overlooked veterans’ groups, including female and LGBTQ+ veterans. “I am truly honoured and delighted to have been invited to become a Patron of Veterans Outreach Support (VOS),” Captain Sara stated. “The work that VOS does to support veterans from both the Merchant Navy and the Armed Forces is deeply meaningful and aligns closely with my own values and lifelong commitment to maritime service and welfare.”
She added, “As Patron, I am keen to actively support and champion the vital services VOS provides—ensuring that those who have served our country receive the care, respect, and recognition they deserve. I look forward to working alongside the VOS team and fellow supporters to help raise awareness and strengthen the impact of this exceptional charity.”
Ian Millen, CEO of VOS, echoed these sentiments: “Her distinguished career at sea and ashore sets her apart as an inspiring, unapologetic voice, who can advocate for veterans who have served under the ‘Red Duster’, ensuring that they are supported and not overlooked.” The appointment of Captain Sara is part of a broader initiative by the VOS Board of Trustees to assemble a group of patrons reflecting the diversity of the veterans they serve, particularly in the South East region of the UK.
Whether through legislative action, educational innovation, or the elevation of new voices in advocacy, these recent developments reflect a growing recognition of the unique challenges veterans face—and the need for targeted, compassionate solutions. As these initiatives unfold, they offer hope that veterans, regardless of their background or where they served, will find the support, respect, and opportunities they deserve as they navigate the often daunting transition to civilian life.
