The needs of America’s post-9/11 veterans

Friday, September 25, 2020, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. EDT

What: Since 9/11, more than 3 million Americans have served in uniform. As of September 8, 2020, the Defense Department reports that 6,841 have died and 52,441 service members have been wounded in action. Yet, this is just a fraction of those who are estimated to have been adversely impacted by the longest wars in American history. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reports that more than 413,858 have sustained traumatic brain injuries, and RAND estimates that, “Nearly 20 percent of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression.” In addition, 6 million veterans have been affected by toxic exposures. As the numbers of killed and wounded decline and the public’s interest and involvement wanes, the need for services and support continues to grow.

On September 25, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and the Brookings Institution will unveil the results of WWP’s 11th Annual Warrior Survey and host a panel discussion about the most pressing issues facing America’s servicemembers and veterans. The panel will explore how veterans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, toxic exposures, military sexual trauma, access to health care, and more.

Viewers can submit questions by emailing events@brookings.edu or by joining the conversation on Twitter with #VeteransSurvey.