VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
May 2022
At Williams College, Nathan Krissoff was captain of the swim team. He majored in political science, wrote poetry, and loved kayaking. Surely the successful student athlete would have his choice of career options upon graduating. Yet, Krissoff’s post-college plans were determined early in his junior year—on September 11, 2001, to be exact.
Less than four months after he arrived in Iraq as an Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Krissoff was killed in action when his Humvee drove over an improvised explosive device, or IED. At his memorial service, Captain Michael Dubrule spoke of his commitment to service, saying, “Nate died doing what he loved, leading men in combat, saving lives, and making a difference in the lives of so many. No greater epitaph can be written. No greater sacrifice can be made.”
Nathan’s father, Bill Krissoff, was an orthopedic surgeon at the time of his son’s death. At age 60, Bill had nothing to prove by joining the military. Yet, Krissoff petitioned the U.S. Navy to allow him to serve in a Marine Corps medical battalion, deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, and save countless lives of service members.
I learned of the Krissoff family’s story this month—as soon as I did, I knew I wanted to share it with each of you. Their family, like so many American military families, represents the best our country has to offer. Such devout selflessness is rare in the world, but it is embedded in the DNA of every service member and Veteran.
During Military Appreciation Month, we are especially grateful for the sacrifices, hard work, and dedication of every person who serves, as well as their family members supporting them during every step of their journey. The men and women who volunteer to serve in our military understand the risks and sacrifices ahead. They know their role won’t be glamorous, nor understood by most of the American public. Yet, they continue to serve us. For this, we appreciate them every month of the year.
Alongside these heroes are spouses, children, parents, caretakers, and other family members who may not wear the uniform, but selflessly serve their nation in a different capacity. May is also Month of the Military Caregiver—another opportunity to appreciate more than 5 million selfless individuals helping service members and Veterans in the United States. Caregivers are essential in providing support to the physical and emotional well-being of Veterans, and this month is a wonderful time to consider the ways we can support the caregivers in our lives.
While supporting the military, whether in uniform or as a family member, and being a caregiver are both extremely noble jobs, individuals in both roles are no stranger to stress. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we must reflect on the ways we each promote mental health awareness to those around us. While we know that mental health conditions increase an individual’s risk for homelessness, and experiencing homelessness is a threat to an individual’s mental health, we also know VA has the resources to help.
However, let us not be too busy caring for others that we forget to also take care of ourselves. No matter what you are going through, please know that you are not alone, and there are people and resources ready to help.
Acknowledging that we all face mental health risks, I have a request this month: encourage the Veterans you know, your colleagues, and yourself to save the number of the Veterans Crisis Line and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans, Press 1). We never know when this service might be needed and taking a few moments to save the number now could save a life later.
Just as we must have the correct tools in case of mental health emergencies, we also need to acknowledge the role of weather emergencies in the next few months. In just a few days, we will enter the beginning of hurricane season. This season of unpredictable and extreme weather can be detrimental to those experiencing homelessness, as well as force some individuals into homelessness. This month, be sure to review the Emergency Preparation protocols and learn how you can help Veterans in need by encouraging them to visit their local VA Medical Center for flexible assistance.
On May 30, we will have one more opportunity to honor those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Memorial Day is a sacred day in our household, as I suspect it may be in yours. This year, I am especially thinking of the message Nathan Krissoff imparted on his younger brother, Austin, while he followed in his brother’s footsteps at OCS: “America’s sons and daughters will be entrusted to your care. You owe them competence, discipline, courage, and judgment.”
America’s Veterans are entrusted to our care—and we owe them our greatest competence, discipline, courage, and judgment. Thank you for fulfilling this charge every day.
