Have you read CW4's message on preventing suicide: Seek help?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:55:02 -0400

http://www.usatoday.com/story/military/benefits/health-care/2015/09/17/cw4s-message-preventing-suicide-seek-help/32560013/
Have you read CW4's message on preventing suicide: Seek help?

This is great article for service members, veterans, retirees, and those suffering from PTSD or having suicidal thoughts. Read CW4's message below and click on the link for the rest!

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Cliff Bauman was four blocks from the Pentagon heading to a meeting on Sept. 11, 2001, when Flight 77 slammed into the building at 9:37 a.m.

Bauman sent the soldier he was with back to the office and ran ahead to help. He spent the next 36 hours applying his expertise as a telecommunications officer searching the rubble and flooded hallways for cellphones and their trapped owners.

When the rescue effort turned to recovery, he went home, washed his uniform and returned to work the following day, never considering what he'd been through.

But a year later, Bauman came across a newspaper article containing a letter from a son to his mother who had perished in the attack.

"I had crawled over half her body in the Pentagon," said Bauman, remembering the woman.

The poignant missive sent the stoic soldier into a downward spiral. He became withdrawn, began drinking more heavily and avoided sleep to shut out the nightmares. At a co-worker's request, he went to counseling but lied to the therapist about his situation, fearful for his job and security clearances.

While home on leave for the holidays, he scrawled a suicide note on a paper towel and took 22 sleeping pills.

CW4's message on preventing suicide: Seek help

Chief Warrant Officer Clifford Baumanwas four blocks from the Pentagon, heading to a meeting there on Sept. 11, 2001, when Flight 77 dove into He sent the sergeant first class he was withback to the office and ran ot help with the rescue effots.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 21 at 2015 2:22 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:22:53 -0400

1. Sometimes it takes an incredible amount of courage to be candid about mental conditions.
2. Sometimes SMs do not know who can help, so they need to be told to have a go to person should they feel suicidal.
3. Going inpatient is not bad. It gives the SM a safe place to rest.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 21 at 2015 2:43 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:43:06 -0400

most people who don't seek help have likely never really received "good" help - and that's a shame. Once you have had someone help you, it makes things whole lot easier next time. It's almost as if you need to experience that there really are people out there who do care about others. And - you will soon realize that EVERYONE needs a little help now and then and those who take it are far better off for it than those who go it alone! :-)

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 21 at 2015 3:08 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:08:22 -0400

The author is brave. Thanks for sharong

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 21 at 2015 3:22 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:22:24 -0400

I hate you COL Mikel J. Burroughs! Ok now seriously, thank you for posting this. That was great article. Such an awesome thing he is doing. I personally think it takes the more courage to battle an inner demon than an enemy. An enemy can take your life, but not your soul. Inner demons take your soul first, then your life ends. Too many of our brothers and sisters in arms are losing their battle with the inner demons. It is great to see things like this.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 3:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:26:20 -0400

Good article....if only it was that easy to get people to seek help.

You can preach to people that clearance levels, job opportunities, and promotion opportunities won't be effected but come on do any of us really believe that.

I'm not saying people should not look for help......I'm not saying people are not out there to offer help....I'm saying there is a stigmata (no matter if the corporate "we" wants to admit it or not) that goes with seeking help while on Active Duty.....very few people who care about their careers or military future are going to "seek help" via a mainstream initiative no matter how many times we tell them it's ok.....it's just a hard pill to swallow (especially the higher ranking you get)....again I'm not saying it will cause anything to happen to your promotion, clearance, or job position.....it's just hard to believe when you are inside looking out that if you go and seek help that they are not going to remove you from your leadership position, or mark down your EPR, or remove your clearance.

Anyway I guess what i'm getting at is please don't become complacent when it comes to your AD friends just because there are programs out there for them....most of them are not going to seek care.....it will only be because of intervention (or luck), as in the CW4's case, that a life is saved. .....

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 21 at 2015 4:14 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:14:58 -0400

The Soldier's Project http://www.thesoldiersproject.org is another outstanding organization. We offer FREE counseling to any post 9/11 active duty or veterans who are in need of help... I am available to anyone in need...

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 7:06 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:06:30 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, thank you for sharing Sir. There can't ever be enough articles of information pertaining to suicide awareness and prevention measures.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 20 at 2016 12:52 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 12:52:53 -0400

Thanks for sharing then Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Cliff Bauman's story and how he helped on the Pentagon on 9/11/2001 COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I have known many suicides over the years and others who like myself had planned suicide but by the grace of God didn't succeed.
On that clear fall day I was supposed to go on for a meeting to discuss some things I was doing for the Army on my own not as part of a specific task with a deadline. I was sitting at my kitchen table reading the Bible and praying and received a phone call from New York that the twin Towers had fallen. I had lost track of time and started to get ready to drive to the Pentagon when I got a phone call telling me that the Pentagon had been hit and there would be no way fro me to get into the building.
As events became clearer I volunteered to be mobilized and was called back first as a volunteer in October soon after my mom died while I was at her sick bed. There was a lot of heroism on 9/11 in NY City and at the pentagon. There was a tremendous amount of grief as well.
A couple at our church lost their dear friends who were their neighbors who were on the plane that hit the Pentagon.
A classmate and friend was in LTG Maude's office watching the events in NY City on TV and went to the bathroom on the A ring. The plane hit the Army G-1's office on the E-ring and the flames shot down the hall and severely burned my friend who was the only one to survive from that office.
I have encouraged this friend at times. He persevered while struggling with guilt and the pain of his own burns. Many friends and family members helped him.
People planning suicide feel painfully alone even when they are in the midst of other people. If you see or sense somebody going through a dark period in their live try to make true contact with them - sometimes just sitting with a friend can be tremendously beneficial. Listening is much more important than talking in these times.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Mar 20 at 2016 1:20 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 13:20:35 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, great article! I was fortunate to have attended the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in 2013. I honestly can say that I have learned what the signs look like - and that sometimes, there aren't any recognizable signs until it's almost too late. It takes great personal knowledge of someone else to recognize the 'Red Flags.'

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 20 at 2016 1:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 13:56:03 -0400

It is very important for a PTSD person to communicate, "I don't feel right, I don't feel good, and I feel suicidal."

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Mar 21 at 2016 11:36 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 23:36:42 -0400

Good article. Thanks for sharing. I've been there allot of times.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Mar 22 at 2016 2:06 PM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 14:06:49 -0400

Even Lucifer was once an angel and saints are not perfect. That is why vengeance and justice is best left to God. Why else is thee 22 veteran suicides today and everyday. Enough already, join Veterans For Peace or Pax Christi USA.

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Mar 25 at 2016 6:08 PM

TSgt Dawn Premock — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 18:08:36 -0400

Sometimes it's hard to admit and reach out for help.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Apr 4 at 2016 12:59 AM

CW4 Brian Haas — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:59:39 -0400

Also can jump online to 22kill.com. Plenty of peers and people to talk to and it's not official or anything at that point.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 9:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2016 09:43:37 -0400

I have something to say here, I haven't read the post yet. I think that the military and government should STOP the stigma that is being attached on those with PTSD. If you think it doesn't happen, just watch the daily news. I think those with PTSD should be helped and not penalized! Maybe it has to do with the reporters sensationalizing their reports about PTSD cases. We trained these SM's to be warrior and fight for the government now they are not wanted in the military, give me a break!

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made May 15 at 2016 10:58 AM

SSG Dennis Grossmann — Sun, 15 May 2016 10:58:17 -0400

It took my former 1St Sgt. escorting me to the combat stress for me to open my eyes as to how self destructive and detached I had become. I am thankful that I was voluntold that I had to go, He was a he'll of a leader and I regret not being able to thank him. He passed shortly after we got back from Iraq in 2010 from cancer. Nobody knew, he carried that burden alone.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made May 15 at 2016 1:23 PM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Sun, 15 May 2016 13:23:13 -0400

COL Mikel J. BurroughsKnows that this is a high priority item on my list of problems that need our full attention. Every Solder, Marine, or Sailor, active or reserve, deals with the stress of past and even current events in their own private way. Of course there are laundry lists of warning signs, but you just never know. Telling people to just "get help" or asking somebody if something is wrong or bothering them is seldom an effective solution. Many times, like in CW4 Bauman's situation, the problem does not even manifest itself until years later, triggered by a seemingly loosely related event. In other words, the problem appears to wear many different faces, and has proven to be most difficult to get our arms around. I personally think that a major part of the solution was resolved prior to leaving the theater. How many time have you told your buddies that we will get together back in the states, or if your in Texas, look me up. Many times the final hug next to a Humvee is the last contact you have with that person. I am not advocating mass love-in's, what I am advocating is local organizations playing a more proactive role in seeking out high-risk individuals, sometimes rather they like it or not. Before everybody starts tuning-up, please hear me out. If somebody could cut through the red tape, the military could notify authorized veterans organizations such as the VFW, WWP, or a long list of other excellent groups, that a Solder is being discharged back to his home of record, or wherever. These groups actually reach out to the Solder, (not a mailer that says for $50.00 a year you can be a member) but actually make physical contact with the person. Trained members of the club can assess their situation, sometimes as simple as observing the stability of the home to which they returned. I'm not advocating becoming a marriage councilor, but if the guy says "Leave me alone, all I want to do is sit in the dark and drink" that's when we need to drag him into the sunlight. If he won't go to a meeting take the meeting to him, the main thing is to let him know that he is not alone, and there are guys just like him dealing with difficult problems; no matter what happens, he has a lot of friends who care. If this guy was back in your squad, the exact same thing would happen just on a smaller scale. I am not a trained physiologist, but I do know that everybody can use a friend sometimes. We need to be more proactive about not letting our own slip through the cracks. I will most likely get some M.D. posting that my idea is the worst thing we could possibly do. OK fine, tell us what we SHOULD do. To reach out to every veteran, fueled by a grass roots movement, on the local level, to save as many as possible from the final disparate act of taking there own life. If we don't try to personally turn the tide on this horrible statistic, and start looking out for our own, I'm afraid the numbers will continue to be unacceptable.

Response by Cpl Michael Crowley made May 20 at 2016 10:03 AM

Cpl Michael Crowley — Fri, 20 May 2016 10:03:41 -0400

As someone whom finds CW4's Bauman's words easier to read than to practice; I can honestly say that for me, the difficult times were/are my initial discharge from active duty, my continuous difficulties with civilian life (unemployment, aimlessness, sense of wasted time and effort), and my wife's death. I have learned that I will starve before I commit suicide, but sometimes I wonder if I'm simply a coward or an optimist. Either way I know that I've lived much longer than I thought that I would.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 17 at 2016 10:26 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:26:09 -0400

Thank you for sharing this story! The Air Force has given myself and everyone else extensive training on the signs, symptoms of suicide and how to approach the person. Get them the help they need as well and going with them to see the Chaplain or mental health specialist.

Response by CPL Beth Allsop made Jun 12 at 2017 10:28 PM

CPL Beth Allsop — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:28:52 -0400

Thank you COL Mikel J. Burroughs for this amazing post.

During my lifetime I have known many friends that have taken their own lives, I know that the times that I've thought about it or come close to acting on it I have always found it easy to find a priest to speak to. During my military service we lost a soldier in our unit commit suicide on duty. While I never sought professional help in the military due to the fear of repercussions, I always found a chaplain to talk to.

There are several groups on Facebook that encourage us to call a battle buddy on the 22nd of every month, I think it helps the caller as much as the person your reaching out to. The main point is find a way, anyway to reach out.

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jun 13 at 2017 8:17 AM

SGT James (Jimmy) Crone — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:17:20 -0400

That was a sad reminder of what happened on 9/11....i was on a downward spiral about 12 years ago and feel now that I'm a lucky man if my friends had not showed up when they did i wouldn't be here today. I thank God every day and praise him for having my friends find me.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Jun 13 at 2017 10:10 AM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 10:10:18 -0400

Yes get help is correct! Help is a intervention to assist change of those thoughts. The subject is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. You don't quit (not allowed) and never let a problem kick your ass! Turn it into a cartoon.

Response by Sgt John H. made Jun 13 at 2017 11:00 AM

Sgt John H. — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 11:00:51 -0400

Although my situation came to a head in the late 80s and early 90s, I was stigmatized and fired from my job. I followed the ERP procedures and tried to get help but it resulted in an ongoing vendetta that set me up for dismissal. I hear a lot of talk about mental health awareness but the stigma exists and once you are branded, it takes years to wash away your sins... I would say more but I am still afraid to open the can of worms that I have so carefully closed and buried. Never will I go through that again.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Jun 13 at 2017 5:14 PM

Sgt Albert Castro — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 17:14:33 -0400

I guess when you get down to it, it's all about outreach, outreach, outreach

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made Jun 13 at 2017 8:32 PM

Sgt Joseph Baker — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 20:32:51 -0400

Glad you are still with us sir. Thanks for putting your story out there. May it encourage others to seek help. Semper Fi.

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Jun 14 at 2017 10:11 AM

CSM Tony Blair — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 10:11:58 -0400

It is very important that after we leave service we keep in touch with our brothers and sisters in arms. We can no longer see them everyday, it's hard I know with everyday life, but " we are our brothers keeper "

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Jun 17 at 2017 10:14 PM

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 22:14:04 -0400

This is a very Serious Issue Facing Us Daily! What's so bad about this condition is that People Who Are Suffering Are At A Point In Their Lives Where They Don't See Any Other Solution To Continue Life. These are the ones you Read or Hear About. Generally, those People thinking of Suicide that want help will let it be known somehow. These you can help. The ones that are determined to end their Life, Will Do So, and Sadly There Is No Way You Can Prevent This!! Even Close Friends and Family Don't Even See The Signs!!! We Must Do Better With This Really Serious Issue!!! Thank You For Bringing This To Our Attention COL.!!!

Response by Sharon Danitschek made Jul 11 at 2017 5:24 PM

Sharon Danitschek — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:24:59 -0400

I have been doing research over the past three years on the impact staying connected has on Veteran Suicide. My results so far have shown that veterans staying connected to their battle buddies over the years reduces the chances of getting on a dark path. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. To update the statistics, it is now 20 per day according to the August 2016 VA
report. 65% of those are veterans 50 years and older.

Response by SGT Brent Scott made Jul 11 at 2017 6:08 PM

SGT Brent Scott — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:08:21 -0400

As LTC Ford stated, people that are wanting to or getting ready to commit suicide feel very alone, it's a very deep hole that if you haven't been there you will never understand. And most people who end up there have a hard time accepting help from others, basically they have convinced themselves that the world would be better without them? But unfortunately their not thinking about the effect it will have on the people around them. I know from my personal experience that I have thought about it a time or two, but I was in a different state of mind then. I have friends and family that have taken the selfish way out, if only they would have just asked something could have been done, but then again only those who have been their understand. Now what I hear is if I only knew I'd could have helped, but could you really. With all of the activities that we all have going on and family, are you sure you have the time? All I can say is that if you don't have the time then don't intervene, but call mental health at the VA and give as much info about them as possible. The VA has a good track record

Response by SPC Jon O. made Jul 11 at 2017 6:24 PM

SPC Jon O. — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:24:27 -0400

I applaud your strength and courage for sharing your struggles with all of us. That's not an easy thing to do but I'm sure there a lot of RP members who really appreciate. Again, thanks for sharing.

Response by Jayden Manning made Jul 11 at 2017 6:24 PM

Jayden Manning — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:24:49 -0400

Have not net

Response by MSgt Thomas Mason made Jul 11 at 2017 6:58 PM

MSgt Thomas Mason — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:58:05 -0400

In any veterans group you'll find "Your Buddies", people who are closer to you than Mom and Dad. When I returned from Vietnam my family and friends welcomed me home with "Oh, you're back?" That was it. On the other hand my comrades held their arms open to me. I learned to keep busy doing volunteer work AND -- I only associated with those who understood me and were partners in my recovery. Mom and apple pie, no, it's those with similar experience who give me courage and the will to carry on. Nothing beats a good, understanding friend - NOTHING!

Response by MAJ Deanna Sinclair-Parker made Jul 11 at 2017 11:34 PM

MAJ Deanna Sinclair-Parker — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 23:34:45 -0400

Yes, I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and yes in the past I had had thought of driving into cement bridge supports, however, because I couldn't put my family through that, and because of my faith, I didn't. YES, I have been to counselling, and I am still on medication at my request. I don't like the roller coaster ride of depression. I belong, and regularly attend a female veterans support group. I didn't start my counselling untiI I was 45, it should have been offered at 19! I urge everyone with PTSD, to seek counselling, Life is worth living!!!

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Jul 12 at 2017 3:26 AM

AN Christopher Crayne — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 03:26:48 -0400

SMDD + PTSD 100% My pic speaks volumes of my past. 13 + attempted, failed. all required tendon surgery/repair. Abdomen punctured, surgery. Throat cut missed by a mile...glued together outside to hide it better. Pills swallowed up by the dozens. Puked the crap up every time. Chicken with a gun but managed to kill ceiling. Shot it by jerking my head and rifle at same time self preservation kicked in.
All resulting in numbness,burning police, 1 standoff with police didn't let them inside, I was suicidal and had called the Veterans Crisis line, which called the police. Aarrggghh!!! pain, along with many legal 2000's.mental health legal holds. I even called a good friend and told him I needed his Glock for security job then got mad at him when he said no. He knew me all too well.
Dont react or attempt suicide don't give to the emotional impulses! Its F**kin time to get help now!, if you feel that way. Call or reach out to ANYONE. Seek help. ASK for help.Ask me...your not alone. I Care about All my brothers and sisters. Preachy? yup..sounds like a antidepressant ad? Yup... but I'm putting my post for all of you to see and hopefully I can help by airing my dirty laundry. I'm not ashamed.

Response by Sharon Danitschek made Jul 13 at 2017 1:54 PM

Sharon Danitschek — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 13:54:59 -0400

A Warfighter and friend Boone Cutler penned the Spartan Pledge
"I will not take my own life by my own hand until I talk to my battle buddy first. My mission is to find a mission to help my warfighter family"

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 14 at 2017 7:20 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 07:20:20 -0400

Great message Chief.