Anthony Kienlen is a combat veteran who returned home with PTSD and depression. He has done all the things medically to deal with these struggles. During this time, he has had a family, gotten his nursing degree, and works a job he loves as an ER nurse.

On Oct. 13th, 2021 Anthony suffered a PTSD episode and attempted suicide. He had reached out for help one week prior and was waiting on an appointment with the VA. Law enforcement was called that day and things escalated.

The veteran mental health crisis is an epidemic. TWENTY TWO VETERANS A DAY commit suicide in this country. That is an epic failure on the part of our nation to address and treat this problem.

We request the Wichita Falls District Attorney John Gillespie and his office to treat this as the mental health crisis that this is and send Anthony to treatment so he can resume being a productive member of society. Anthonys bail is punitively and prohibitively high so his family is unable to bail him out for treatment. 

Our veterans need and deserve better. Our law enforcement and our judicial system need more education and training on how to deal with these veteran crises. Please sign out petition to free Anthony from jail and into a mental health facility.