As we celebrate the resurrection, let us also remember Clay, and all those who are victims of suicide - those who take their lives and those left behind who now often struggle with the same thoughts. RIP Clay.
For every Soldier or Vet who dies by suicide, there is a story. But few, very few, are shared with the word. Today is the anniversary of the suicide of Clay Hunt, who killed himself after struggling day in and day out with PTSD and depression. His was one of those stories that was shared.
As we celebrate the resurrection, let us also remember Clay, and all those who are victims of suicide - those who take their lives and those left behind who now often struggle with the same thoughts. RIP Clay.
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Found this article in Stars and Stripes (the only newspaper to be found in Iraq and Afghanistan for Americans :)). It was from March 21, 2013, that claims the Military is Evaluating Suicide Prevention Programs. My reaction? About time! What we/they are doing isn't working... we have to figure something out to help the active duty AND the vets before we lose them all! The crisis line that Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) helped put together a few years ago is great, but it isn't enough, and sometimes (based on personal experience) puts people over the edge instead of leading them back from it. Let your representative in Washington know we have lost enough
This is the 40th anniversary of American Troop withdrawal from Vietnam. The stories these servicemen share are painful, yet heartwarming. The veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan seem to have some special kindred connection with those from Vietnam, whereby they have supported us and we have supported them, somehow healing each other along the way.
If you are Veteran of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, please consider joining and supporting IAVA - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. It is a group of vets who know the value of veterans to society as a whole and America and hopes to help vets be a force for positive change. Currently, their focus is working on ending the V.A. backlog of disability claims, but they also help vets find jobs, help homeless vets, help vets in N.Y. find resources through case managers, and were a driving force to create the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. Check them out
For those who have Nooks, Kindles, etc., my publisher sent me some free cards to let people download the book for free. If you are interested, please just contact me through the contact page and I can send it out to you!
Well, the numbers are out, and they aren't good... nearly one suicide a day for the month of February - a potential of 24. That of course doesn't include the "accidents" that were suicides. And it doesn't include the vets... We HAVE to do something! What has been done is great, but it's not enough! Please help me make a difference!!!Army Releases February 2013 Suicide Information
So, got a call from one of the staffers here at IAVA. She was on the steps of the capital and Jon Carter, a Judge and Senator, was there and walked up to him saying hi, haven't seen you since we worked together a few years ago on some legislation. He says, Hi, do you know who I had in my office yesterday - Willow and Melinda from your organization about ending the backlog. The Staffer tells me it took him a year to remember her name, but he remembers Willow... I'm just Willow's mom. LOL! He was the one who got legislation through for service dogs - not just seeing eye dogs. So I owe him a LOT! In fact, today, Willow got between me and the edge of the bed as a seizure took hold. Looking out for me always... unless there's a big statue she's scared of! Almost pulled me to the ground trying to run away from one yesterday!! The picture is our team with the Hon., Rep. Jon Carter after he signed our petition to end the V.A. backlog! (don't ask why I look like I'm about to beat someone up...) Spent this morning in the audience of the Stand Up with Pete Dominick Sirius Radio show. Ended up closing the show with a statement about military suicide!
Stand Up with Pete Dominick http://standupwithpetedominick.com/ So IAVA started a fundraising effort to send us all to Capital Hill in order to fight for vets. Check out the page, especially the $45 plan! Apparently Willow has been adopted by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America!
http://fundly.com/storming-the-hill-46-of-the-nation-s-newest-vets-face-down-12-000-lobbyists A new bill is being introduced in Illinois... It says that "an injury in the active performance of duty includes a self-inflicted injury when a mental health professional establishes that the injury was a result of the officer's active duty service"
What about our Soldiers and Vets? How many have lost their lives to suicides due to the anguish of what they experienced in service? What would such a bill mean to them and their families? Illinois Bill http://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2688&GAID=12&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=74498&SessionID=85&GA=98 |
AuthorA medically retired, Iraqi Freedom veteran, Army Chaplain. Archives
August 2018
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