Being a United States Army Veteran is the greatest honor of my life. I wish I could serve all over again, and serve for a longer time.

But my life following the military has been very difficult.

I’ve been struggling with housing for years and there have been times when I’ve been very depressed. Now, I struggle with dental pain as one of the many veterans ineligible for dental care through the Department Of Veterans Affairs.

And behind suicide and homelessness, lack of access to a dentist is one of the biggest problems facing our bravest brothers and sisters.

In fact, dental problems actually contributes to the other two.

I’ve already spent money I don’t have trying to quell dental pain. And a costly trip to the dentist paired with an overall bad financial situation can lead to veterans landing on the street.

Forcing a veteran to choose between a roof over their head and a pain free day to day life is a choice they shouldn’t have to make. Yet we do it all the time.

And then there is the lack of confidence that can come from dental problems. We can talk correctly, and we can’t smile confidently. When you take away someone’s confidence you’re knocking out the foundation of their identity.

Not believing in yourself can cause someone to end their life.

Mental health and housing are complicated. I’ve been trying with thousands of others to find solutions.

But we know the answer for dental care. A good dentist.

If we help veterans have dental access, we take a step towards solving the other two. We need to make that happen.