We all play a role in preventing suicide. How will you REACH to your peers, family, and community?

RallyPoint News — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:35:55 -0400

It’s time to REACH to provide support and REACH when we’re struggling. Together we will prevent suicide for Veterans and all Americans, because we are all within REACH. Visit wearewithinreach.net to take the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH today.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jul 28 at 2020 6:28 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:28:38 -0400

Thank you!

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made Jul 30 at 2020 10:04 AM

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:04:52 -0400

Suicide of dreams....

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Aug 4 at 2020 10:51 PM

PFC Lisa McDonald — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 22:51:16 -0400

Personally I think all the talk about it legitimizes it and is a great money maker for social scientist! The numbers never seem to go down but the funding for programs always seems to go up!

Response by A1C Roger Walker made Aug 9 at 2020 10:04 AM

A1C Roger Walker — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:04:10 -0400

Being part of a close nit group of people and having shared intense experiences together gives life meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Being discharged from such an environment without the knowledge and ability to recreate the same leads to hopelessness and maybe even suicide.

Response by SSG Lawrence Stelzer made Aug 9 at 2020 10:31 AM

SSG Lawrence Stelzer — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:31:39 -0400

Maybe would get treated better as a father in the courtroom would make thing better for us to. I'm been fighting for my kids for over 3 yrs and was pretty low and losing my job at same time and court didn't have any passion for me. She had lying to judge I was not even had any rights for my kids. We where all verbal abused by her plus she even tried get me put in jail sexual assault against my daughter she even tried suicide on herself and now she's not even paying child support for her daughter I spend hours crying to keep thing afloat court doesn't care about the bills at all. If female will not leave father see his kid should not be able collect on the kids for child support the percentage of bad father is same for bad mother I could use hand

Response by A1C Roger Walker made Aug 23 at 2020 6:03 PM

A1C Roger Walker — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 18:03:47 -0400

Every town should have a veteran group that meets once a week like AA does. The VFW and the American Legion all seem to exist as 2nd world war drinking groups and do not take Viet Nam and Iraq/ Afghanistan vets serious.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Sep 6 at 2020 8:52 AM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 08:52:53 -0400

I wand to sound out a friend I knew in 1975, SP/4 Russell at 124 Maint. BN. Ft. Hood Tx. His story is that during the Vietnam War he went AWOL from Vietnam and went to Canada. Under the guilt that he felt he paid his way back to Vietnam and reported back to his Unit. He spent 30 days in the stock aid then in 1975 our Company Commander, Capt. Connor, flagged him from re-enlisting and openly called him a coward. SP/4 Russel went into the clerks office early morning and hung himself and was found by the Soldiers after formation. SP/4 Russel was from New York and grew up in an orphanage; his only family was the Army. In the 70's their was no help or advice. You were either weak or yellow. My message is those that are hurting seek help or a friend, don't go through it alone. Our Prevention Specialist today are among the best, a life is so delicate and important don't waste it.

Response by Cpl Henry Busby made Sep 8 at 2020 9:55 AM

Cpl Henry Busby — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:55:17 -0400

I am proud to be a part of the Mental Health First Aid for Veterans contingent. I have the certificate for completing this training, and plan to renew in 2023 when this certificate expires. The training has helped me greatly in my job as a Veterans Housing Specialist. Because I deal primarily with the homeless veteran demographic, as you can imagine, some of my veterans have ongoing issues. This course has helped me to be a more in tuned listener. Over the years I have had a number of occasions where I have had to call the proper services for a vet who said that they were thinking of "ending all of this."

I have also had vets who were just saying this in hopes that it would generate compliance with what they wanted. I now can see where they are headed, and direct them to the proper assistance, such as the Veterans Crisis Hotline, or simply let them know that if they say certain phrases to me, I am obligated to report the statements. Part of the Mental First Aid for Veterans is, again, learning how to listen and then trying to impart some sense of hope. Always with the caveat that "I may not be able to provide what you want, but I will do my very best to provide you with what you need."

My job is challenging, but as a career, I feel as though I'm making a huge difference in a lot of people's lives. What better work can one do but to be of service to our fellowman, and for we veterans, to continue serving those who have served?