Daniel Cooper, 39, served alongside Aeran Taylor who lived in Crawley and died on October 2023.
The pair joined the army in 2002 and served a six-month operation in Iraq with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, before being discharged in 2007 after failing a drugs test.
Both Daniel and Aeran were left suffering with PTSD, while Aeran experienced night terrors, flashbacks, depression and anxiety.
An inquest into his death in January heard how he returned home as a “changed man” and that “his experiences there disturbed him”.
Aeran was found dead in his flat by a family member on October 27, 2023. Coroner Joseph Turner concluded that his death was a result of an accidental overdose.
A prevention of future deaths report has since been issued to the Ministry of Defence due to there being “a community of veterans at risk” from lack of support upon leaving the armed forces.
Daniel, from Redditch, said: “I completely agree. There is not anything out there for veterans who are suffering with PTSD or addiction after being discharged.
“I do not think it should be charities that have to deal with it.”
During the inquest, it was heard that Aeran was publicly shamed for his drug use which had a lasting impact on him.
Daniel also reported being shamed in front of colleagues.
“For me, when I was discharged I was made to feel ashamed of what I had done by the commanding officers”, Daniel added.
“They might be showing signs or symptoms of PTSD.
“Since I have left the military, there has been nothing.
“You do not get any contact with anyone. They could keep you in the loop. They could do a couple of check-ins once a year.”
Daniel reported accessing support from charity Combat Stress, including therapy and help with dealing with his emotions.
He has also contacted Operation Courage, an NHS mental health specialist service for military personnel, however Daniel said once he has made the initial phone call, he struggles to continue following up due to his mental health.
Therefore, Daniel believes more proactive support of veterans is needed.
In a statement read out during the inquest, Daniel described Aeran as “quirky, funny, fiercely loyal and a family man” who was “always looking out for others”.
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Aeran’s mother, Carol, also submitted a statement, which read: “He was a boisterous child, always up to mischief.
“He was such a loveable person. His younger sisters doted on him and he loved them back.
“He was kind and generous and loved everyone. He loved to make us all laugh.
“Aeran disliked housework and he hated the winter. He always wanted to go to Thailand and go backpacking.
“We were a very close family.”
Following the prevention of future deaths report, the Ministry of Defence has a duty to respond within 56 days.
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