Cotton, Boozman Honor Arkansas Veterans
Arkansas senators recognized military service ahead of Veterans Day while highlighting veteran suicide prevention efforts.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Military
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Arkansas U.S. Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman recognized military veterans ahead of Veterans Day. Boozman highlighted veteran suicide prevention data, citing 92 veteran suicides in Arkansas and 6,488 nationwide in 2024.
Why it matters
Arkansas is home to more than 200,000 veterans, and the statements draw attention to suicide prevention resources available to them and their families. The remarks also spotlight federal grant funding aimed at reducing veteran suicides.
The Department of Veterans Affairs reported 6,488 veteran suicides nationwide in 2024, including 92 in Arkansas. The figures do not indicate whether rates changed from prior years.
The players
Tom Cotton
U.S. Senator from Arkansas and a former Army captain who earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge during his service.
John Boozman
U.S. Senator from Arkansas who helped develop the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program in 2020.
The details
Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman recognized veterans ahead of the Nov. 11 Veterans Day observance. Boozman cited the Department of Veterans Affairs' 2026 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report and noted that veterans and their families can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
Timeline
2005 to 2009: Cotton served on active duty in the U.S. Army.
2013: Cotton's Army Reserve service ended.
2020: The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was developed.
2024: 6,488 veterans died by suicide nationwide, including 92 in Arkansas.
Nov. 11, 2026: Veterans Day observance.
Political Context
The Fox program has awarded more than $300 million to 218 organizations since its 2020 development, with two recipients located in Arkansas. Its funding levels and recipient reach frame the senators' emphasis on suicide prevention.
Veterans and their families in Arkansas can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1. The Fox grant program's funding flows to organizations that provide suicide prevention services.
The takeaway
Veteran suicide remains a national concern, and the crisis line and grant-funded programs offer direct points of support for those affected. Awareness ahead of Veterans Day can encourage veterans and families to seek help early.
Further reading
Explore more Arkansas military coverage for context on veterans' issues in the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by El Dorado News-Times.
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