For some, this is the time of year that we reflect on our own military service, those that we served with, or on those that had served before us. It is with that in mind that this message is never too late. American Veterans are committing suicide at a rate of 22 successful deaths every day, again every day. One untimely death of an American, is one too many. Our veterans are committing suicide in unprecedented numbers. 22 Veterans a day is equivalent to more than a platoon of our brothers and sisters dying each week. In a bigger picture, 22 Veterans a day is equivalent to or more than a Company of our brothers and sisters dying each week, 660 Veterans a month is almost a Battalion. At this rate, suicides rates among American Veterans is reaching proportions equivalent to a Reinforced Regiment of Marines being wiped out in a single year. Our service men and women proudly continue to volunteer and serve America. Many of them have played a major role in pushing toward an end to Americas longest conflicts of OIF and OEF. Much is happening to our Heroes. PTSD and Survivors Guilt are but a few of the things that are contributing to the demise of those veterans who commit that final act of suicide. Make a difference by offering that greeting or salutation of Happy Veterans Day!. Better yet, reach out to someone and ask, How are you doing? Then be prepared to take the time to listen to what is going on in the mind of that service member or veteran. Take an active role in preventing these senseless acts. However, one must remember that to those service members committing suicide, senseless act was not a consideration as the final action results in closure to an issue. An act of kindness or one that shows that you truly care may result in saving a life. * Original statement paraphrased from Sergeant Major Michael Templeton
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:52:45 +0000
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