SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah mother is raising awareness about the heightened suicide risk among military veterans after losing her own son, Private First Class Bowden Hunter of Saratoga Springs.
According to the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Utah currently ranks second in the nation for veteran suicide (adjusted for population), with 78 deaths reported last year. Because the state has a smaller-than-average veteran population, the numbers are especially alarming to families like the Hunters.
The statistics have motivated Janaea Hunter to launch “Bowden’s Brigade,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe, community-centered spaces for veterans returning to civilian life…