The Patriot Post® · As if Chris Kyle Needed an Oscar Award

It seemed like “American Sniper” was snubbed at the Oscars. Although it was nominated for six awards – including best picture, lead actor and editing – it only walked away with one: for sound editing of all things. But another movie depicting what our veterans go through after they leave the battlefield won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject. “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” showed the workers at the Veterans Crisis Line trying to save the lives of veterans struggling with suicide. While it’s the only crisis line devoted to veterans in the nation, veterans account for a widely disproportionate number of suicides. And really, an award highlighting the work of these crisis line councilors – many of whom served in Afghanistan, or married veterans – is more important than “American Sniper” receiving recognition from a bunch of navel-gazing stars. Chris Kyle’s mission on the battlefield was to get American soldiers home. After hanging up his sniper rifle, Kyle threw himself into helping soldiers struggling with PTSD. Besides: After winning 19 awards, such as five Bronze and two Silver Stars for Combat Valor, is an Oscar really an accomplishment?

And just in case you need it, the number for Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255.