This year’s Veterans Day commemorations could take place in the shadow of the longest-ever government shutdown. Many regional Veterans Affairs offices shut their doors when the shutdown began Oct. 1. Some services are on hold, such as career counseling for people leaving the military.

“It’s just a bad situation right now,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.

VA hospitals and clinics are still running, and funerals are still being held in VA cemeteries. Services for suicide prevention and homelessness also continue. But Collins worries people may not seek the help they need, especially when it comes to mental health services.

“I think people feel like they can’t get help,” Collins said. “They may just give up, or they might not want to come back … or get frustrated.”

He said b

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