Pentagon offers service members mental health resources as U.S. exits Afghanistan

The U.S. Defense Department on Wednesday circulated a list of mental health resources available for veterans amid the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Although the Defense Department did not mention Afghanistan by name, the information came as U.S. forces leave the country and the capital falls to the Taliban after a 20-year war.

"You are not alone," the Defense Department wrote. "Remember that what is happening now does not minimize or negate the experiences of all who served overseas. Countless service members answered the call of duty and did what was asked of them. Service is never for naught. Think about the times when valor and courage changed lives for the better. Focus on the present and what feels meaningful to you in this moment. Our veterans served honorably and completed missions as required and as necessary – protecting our freedoms and we are forever grateful for their service." While the U.S. presence in Afghanistan has been significantly reduced in recent years, nearly 800,000 service members served at least one deployment since the war started in 2001. And over 2,400 have died in action, leaving behind countless friends and family members.