Foundation Established After Soldier’s Suicide

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Coming home after serving your country should be a happy time but some veterans experience mental and emotional scars that can lead to drug addiction and even suicide.

Many veterans return home with post-traumatic stress that can lead to addictions, depression, and even suicide.  Richard Holmes II died of a drug over dose in July 2011, a year after serving his country.  His parents say he came home suffering from alcohol and drug addictions but completed a successful stay in rehab.  He was attending school and seemed to be on the right track.  After his death, the Holmes established a foundation: The Richard E. Holmes II Memorial Foundation, to serve other veterans who may suffer mentally after returning home.

Richard’s mother, Judie Holmes says, “After having lost him and doing the research on the military and returning veterans, we quickly found out the numbers were overwhelming, as far as returning veterans who came and who have issues that are often not seen because they’re not physical issues.”

The Foundation will be working with the Veterans Administration to serve local veterans when they return home.  For more information, you can contact Judie Holmes at grandholmes@yahoo.com.