#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Ben Adams

Veteran of the Day graphic created by Alexandra Craig for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Ben Adams. Ben served during the War on Terror.

Ben enlisted with the United States Army and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his deployment, Ben served in over 200 missions. Near the end of his tour, Ben’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

Ben suffered serious injuries to his back, neck and brain from the blast. Upon returning to civilian life, Ben suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite his own struggles, Ben devoted time to helping other Veterans suffering from post-combat related issues, joining Veteran support groups such as 22KILL and Operation “Rock the Troops.”

Ben died by suicide on May 4, 2017. He is interred at Line Creek Baptist Cemetery in Ida, Louisiana. Ben is remembered as a dedicated soldier and passionate civilian, who spent his time helping other Veterans struggling with similar experiences.

We honor his service.

Memorial Day Awareness

This month, the VA’s National Cemetery Administration is partnering with Carry the Load, a nonprofit organization that connects Americans to the sacrifices made daily by the U.S. military, Veterans, first responders and their families to commemorate the “Memorial May” awareness campaign. The VA will share the stories of service members and Veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in “Veteran of the Day” posts leading up to Memorial Day 2019.

Contributors

Editor: Geoffrey Townsley

Fact checker: Jordan Gossett

Graphic design: Alexandra Craig