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I was sitting in a What-a-burger yesterday morning doing a Bible study with several other men.
Two gentlemen came in and grabbed a booth. One went to the counter to get some coffee and food, the other sat in the booth looking very distraught. And naturally, this caught my eye.
I went up to refill my coffee and ask the guy at the counter if everything was ok. Here is what he said:
"I am a cab driver. I went to pick someone up at the apartments across the street. I waited and waited, and no one ever came out. So I went and knocked on the door, and this guy (the one in the booth) opens the door. He is standing there holding a pistol. I asked if he ordered a cab and he said no. I asked what he was planning to do with the gun. He then proceeds to inform me that he is a veteran of OIF/OEF who is struggling in life as a civilian. He has no one, and he is better off dead.
I told him that I wasn't going to let that happen, and asked him for the gun. He gave it to me. I brought him here to get some food and we are headed to the VA hospital to get this brother some help. He isn't going to die today. NOT ON MY WATCH!"
The cab drivers name is Alvin, and he was a Vietnam era vet. The gentleman in the booth was Chris. I spoke with Alvin earlier today. Chris is resting at the VA hospital and receiving the care he needs.
Chris didn't call a cab. But for some reason Alvin showed up anyway. A veteran whom had chosen death over life has been given another chance, because someone said not today. Not on my watch.
Be vigilant. There are so many of us veterans out there. Someone may be crying to you for help.
Two gentlemen came in and grabbed a booth. One went to the counter to get some coffee and food, the other sat in the booth looking very distraught. And naturally, this caught my eye.
I went up to refill my coffee and ask the guy at the counter if everything was ok. Here is what he said:
"I am a cab driver. I went to pick someone up at the apartments across the street. I waited and waited, and no one ever came out. So I went and knocked on the door, and this guy (the one in the booth) opens the door. He is standing there holding a pistol. I asked if he ordered a cab and he said no. I asked what he was planning to do with the gun. He then proceeds to inform me that he is a veteran of OIF/OEF who is struggling in life as a civilian. He has no one, and he is better off dead.
I told him that I wasn't going to let that happen, and asked him for the gun. He gave it to me. I brought him here to get some food and we are headed to the VA hospital to get this brother some help. He isn't going to die today. NOT ON MY WATCH!"
The cab drivers name is Alvin, and he was a Vietnam era vet. The gentleman in the booth was Chris. I spoke with Alvin earlier today. Chris is resting at the VA hospital and receiving the care he needs.
Chris didn't call a cab. But for some reason Alvin showed up anyway. A veteran whom had chosen death over life has been given another chance, because someone said not today. Not on my watch.
Be vigilant. There are so many of us veterans out there. Someone may be crying to you for help.
Posted in these groups: 
Suicide
Suicide
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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You know it's one thing to know that a suicide is a permanent fix to a temporary problem. So far every problem I encountered is temporary. EVERY ONE. It's ok to turn for help. That help is out there. EVERY TIME.
If you're feeling suicidal, realize thousands out there feel just like you. You can overcome those feelings so that you'll have your own tale to share and rescue others
If you're feeling suicidal, realize thousands out there feel just like you. You can overcome those feelings so that you'll have your own tale to share and rescue others
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SPC Charles Brown
PO1 (Join to see), I am in complete agreement with MAJ (Join to see). Very well stated indeed.
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Wow, the only thing I can say about that is Alvin was Chris's angel and God works in mysterious ways
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It's not hard to realize that this could happen anywhere. There are times when each of us has a bad day, but when it drops to the bottom as in this case - somehow things turn out much differently than they started. Thank goodness that this vet was able to get the help he needed when he needed it.
There are good people in this world! I think I will adopt this motto and stand with the cab driver. Every veteran is worth that much.
There are good people in this world! I think I will adopt this motto and stand with the cab driver. Every veteran is worth that much.
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LCpl Jessica Chaney
This happened just the other day to a friend of mine. My friend a (veitnam veteran) was called by a (OIF/OEF) veteran who was standing on a ledge ready to jump. My friend talked him into backing up and sitting down while he drove an hour to pick him up. He then drove another hour to take him to the va hospital. I am very grateful for angels like this..........
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