A somber ceremony Saturday morning on the Iola square marked Veterans Day.
“Military service is not for the faint of heart,” Staff Sgt. Rene Castilleja reminded the audience gathered at the Veterans Wall. “Most civilian jobs don’t require risk to life or limb. Unlike members of the military, civilians can live where they want and can quit whenever they want.”
Castilleja, a combat engineer and training noncommissioned officer for the 891st Engineer Battalion stationed in Iola, delivered Saturday’s keynote speech.
Castilleja addressed the hardships many in the military face once they return to civilian life.
“Transitional challenges, the stress of military life and feelings of isolation all factor into a suicide rate among veterans that is more than 50% higher than that of nonveteran adults.
“The stigma of seeking help needs to end,” Castilleja said. “If we are going to stop suicide, it is crucial that we look at this issue much differently than prior generations.”
“Veterans value courage and it takes courage to ask for help. We must be proactive. Ask and encourage veterans to seek help before they pass a point of no return. The bonds that we formed in the military are unlike any other. A good American Legion post fosters an environment that helps continue such bonds and create new ones. 
“Very few of us are trained counselors or mental help professionals. But we are capable of listening, referring and following up. The national crisis line still works, but now there is an even shorter number, 9-8-8, ext. 1 for veterans.”
Castilleja also discussed the high rate of homelessness among military veterans, saying an estimated 60,000 don’t have a roof over their heads.
“The best way to prevent a veteran from becoming homeless is to hire one,” he said.
Castilleja recognized the many programs necessary to care for veterans damaged by war.
“When a politician laments the cost of a veterans program, it is up to us to remind them of the cost of being a veteran.
“Whether it’s exposure to burn pits or other toxins, many veterans today continue to pay a high price for their military service. It is up to us to ensure they always have access to high quality health care and benefits reflecting the thanks of a great nation.”
Tom Nevans of the Iola Veterans Committee conducted the ceremony that included Becky French singing the national anthem. Maggie Barnett released handfuls of black balloons in honor of Kansas veterans killed or missing in action. And members of the Moran American Legion Post fired a 21-gun salute.
