Posted on Jan 12, 2021
The survivor: Soldier overcomes battle with suicide
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"Chelsea Porterfield sang the ABCs softly as she rocked her 2 year old to sleep. In the quiet solitude of her son’s bedroom, her mind drifted and fixated on her husband’s .45 caliber pistol.
In November 2018, the sergeant first class thought about suicide for the first time.
Since she had accepted an assignment to serve as a platoon sergeant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Chelsea struggled to strike a balance of time for duty and family."
"It has been more than two years since Porterfield left the mental health treatment facility at Fort Belvoir."
"In September 2019, Porterfield became the first woman to lead a marching element onto Arlington, and in the spring became the 38th Sergeant of the Guard (5th female)."
In November 2018, the sergeant first class thought about suicide for the first time.
Since she had accepted an assignment to serve as a platoon sergeant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Chelsea struggled to strike a balance of time for duty and family."
"It has been more than two years since Porterfield left the mental health treatment facility at Fort Belvoir."
"In September 2019, Porterfield became the first woman to lead a marching element onto Arlington, and in the spring became the 38th Sergeant of the Guard (5th female)."
The survivor: Soldier overcomes battle with suicide
Posted from army.mil
Suicide
Behavioral Health
Community
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 3
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It's from September but I saw a post from Women's Military Museum about her being the 5th woman "ever to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB #688)." I Googled her and found this - and had no idea. I thought I'd post it as I don't remember it posted last year. To show those who might be struggling it's okay to get help and you can overcome your struggles if you get help.
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SGT (Join to see)
Its not a sign of weakness to know you have a problem and then seek help for it. It is a sign of incredible strength to do so. If only Commanders would adopt such a stance there would be fewer suicides.
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This is a great post SFC Kelly Fuerhoff! Suicide takes the lives of too many Veterans and Active Duty. This story is a testimony to the fact there is help available. IMHO, it takes courage to ask for help and it is Not a sign of weakness. Thanks for sharing this female’s courageous story!
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