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Lt Col Charlie Brown
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Support ride 22 with a purchase from the store
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ride22/store/
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LTC Stephen F.
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Good day my friend COL Mikel J. Burroughs and thank you for reminding us that overarching goals for RIDE for the 22 are:
1. Restoring hope to suicidal veterans
2. raising funds to support goal 1.
I realize it is too late for renaming the RIDE 22. I am thankful that according to the VA study from 2005 to 2015 the mean is actually 20 per day.
All efforts to increase hope and reduce severe depression and hopelessness are rooted in healthy relationships.
Disclaimer: I have been severely depressed and at time suicidal since the early 1990s. It is only by the grace of God that did not commit suicide. My relations with God is personal and the most important in my life.
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LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
6 y
As a trained and experienced ORSA I am very familiar with study methodology, my friendCOL Mikel J. Burroughs. The VA study was as comprehensive as the census and had the advantage that all veterans have DD214's are traceable [exception is MIA].
1. Many supposed suicides are accidental drug overdoses.
2. Some murders are disguised as suicide
3. That study may have missed suicides; but, it was the most comprehensive study on the matter - looking at veterans by war served in and other demographic statistics.
Only God knows how many actually committed suicide, versus being murdered. I know at least one veteran who was murdered and listed as drug overdose.
Bottom line. If the number of veteran suicides is stable, all the efforts of RIDE 22 are pointless as well as all other similar efforts.
I have known far too many successful suicides. Funding and awareness did not help any of those from killing themselves.
The best hope for treatment of depression is relationship. I hope and pray that hope will be restored in those veterans devoid of hope that have nobody they can trust.
My mother-in-laws phone number is [login to see] .
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
6 y
LTC Stephen F. - At Victory for Veterans we feel that Heath (medically and spiritually), employment (financial and transitional), Shelter, and Relationships (Family, spouse, friends, etc.) are the keys to reducing suicides among our service members and veterans. That is where are funding is going 90% of every dollar collected goes back to veterans and to help them. I understand suicide as well Stephen (first-hand) with the loss of soldiers dying under my commend from suicide and my father-in-law. I'm not saying the study was bad (very good study), but I feel in my heart, body, and soul it hasn't capture the true essence of all those we've lost. I believe we're in agreement that every effort should be made to emphasis the importance of relatiosnhip with God, family, healthcare, employment, solid transition, shelter, and purpose are critical.
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LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
6 y
Well said my friend COL Mikel J. Burroughs . By definition a legitimate study is focused on what be measured. Individuals feel loss and only God knows the depth and true extent of that loss.
HE permits sorrowful events and desires that we become more compassionate and less bitter. We can help the living as best we can.
Thanks for all you do, my friend.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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