Posted on Oct 1, 2015

How do you feel about the DoD's newest report on Veterans suicide following the release of the 2015Q2 Quarterly Suicide Report (QSR)?

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The Department of Defense released the Quarterly Suicide Report (QSR) for the second quarter of calendar year 2015. RP! 118 deaths in 3 months! Seriously how can we ensure that nobody is left behind? I am sick in my stomach and full of anger reading this report. As expected this report will not make it to any news outlet. When are we going to shine the light in this serious issue and stop leaving our battle buddies behind. 118! Deaths in 3 motnhs! Please tell me this does not make you sick to your stomach. Man I am so outrage. If you feel the need to read the report and I hope you do, you can find it at
http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/621181/department-of-defense-releases-second-quarter-2015-suicide-information?source=GovDelivery

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Suicide

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Posted 9 y ago

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Responses: 10

Suspended Profile

Posted 9 y ago

I have written about this crisis numerous times. I firmly believe that the PTSD and other behavioral health stats are way low, and that DOD has established a climate where denial is the key word. Add to this the VA system that is overwhelmed by the doctor shortage and poor planning resulting in more demand than they anticipated, and you have the "Perfect Storm".

One organization out there that is helping is the Soldier's Project - http://www.thesoldiersproject.org - we offer free counseling to Post 9/11 active duty and veterans. Part of the problem is the stigma associated with getting mental health care. Since we are a private organization, the only outside reporting we do is that required by law in the event we fear that the client/patient is at risk of harming themselves or others, or if requested by the client/patient.

For anyone in RP-land who is suffering, please reach out to me, or to the Soldier's Project, or any other organization out there that is available to help...

COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Home - The Soldiers Project

A special shout out to Kimberly Backman our Chicago Chapter Director. She recently joined our organization and we are happy to see her working in the Chicago community. We would also like to thank all of our volunteer therapists in the Chicago area!Show your appreciation to our Chicago Chapter and Kimberly by liking and sharing this thank you message! If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more visit...

CPT (Join to see)

9 y

Sir,
If it is ok and with your permission and will like to share your contact with my organization. Thank you for what you are already doing. In that note if you need voulunteers let me know as well.

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Suspended Profile

9 y

CPT (Join to see) The Soldier's Project can always use more therapists. Please note that therapists must be licensed mental health providers, or authorized pastoral care providers, to work for TSP...

Please feel free to share my info as well...

SPC David S.

9 y

The last email I received was that the Chicago Chapter closed. I'm very please to see that is not the case - I just connected with her via Linkedin.

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COL Mikel J. Burroughs

9 y

LCDR Rabbi Jaron Matlow Thanks for sharing this discussion with me. We are looking for volunteers to help with our Virtual World Solution d/b/a Sponsor a Vet Life as well and our non-profit organization that provides Action4Vets (A4V) with Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM leading the way. Kimberly works very closely with veterans that have PTSD, TBI and that are having trouble with getting what they need from the VA. She also has worked with many individuals that have been on the verge of sucide and has been able to help them. We need volunteers (Coaches, pastors, therapist, nurses, counselors, mentors, and coaches) for our Sponsor a Vet Life. We also need veterans or active duty service members that are suffering with PTSD or TBI for our Pilot Program - see discussion already posted about this subject:

http://www.rallypoint.com/answers/would-you-join-a-pilot-program-in-3d-interactive-mode-need-active-duty-families-veterans-w-ptsd-and-military-spouses

Would you join a Pilot Program in 3D interactive mode? Need Active Duty Families, Veterans...

UPDATE: [~759758:Ilene Morris] the founder of Virtual Worlds is now a Civilian Supporter on RP. You can connect with her directly and get more information on this great Pilot Program through the message portal.FOLLOW OUR GROUP PAGE: https://www.rallypoint.com/organizations/sponsor-a-vet-life-virtual-world-solutions-d-b-a-sponsor-a-vet-lifePLEASE BE ADVISED THAT [~759758:Ilene Morris] HAS RECEIVED A LOT OF FEEDBACK AND REQUESTS - SHE IS RUNNING...

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1stSgt (Join to see)

Posted 9 y ago

This is horrible news. I was hoping it would get better.

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CPT (Join to see)

9 y

I was hoping for better numbers as well especially with all the focus that the leadership has emphasized on this issue. we are the Gatekeepers. We know each member of our team better than anyone yet.

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1stSgt (Join to see)

9 y

This is one fight that can never be given up on.

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CPT Pedro Meza

9 y

CPT (Join to see) - Being honest I expected higher numbers, having served from 1974-2015 I have noticed increases in suicides following the end of conflicts, because that is when all return home to face society demands vs their demons.

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