Comments on: Suicide Rates Still Climbing

By: winnieo

winnieo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:48:15 +0000

So…to register, we have to give an email address. If one is not registered, an email address is required to post a comment.

Either way, that email address had to be forked over.

FYI

(AND I still have to type those annoying, unreadable spam preventers. Ick.)

By: Winneo

Winneo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:35:32 +0000

Good idea, Mr. B, to remove the request for an email address (even though it is NOT published). Many, especially vets, are loathe to divulge their email address and will therefor not comment.

I’m not logged in at the moment, but FYI – I was still asked for my email address. I’ll try it logged in, but then we are back to “I don’t wanna give my email address,” aren’t we?

By: Winneo

Winneo — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:31:32 +0000

So easy to say when it isn’t YOU.

By: mike_brewer

mike_brewer — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:49:12 +0000

On a good tip from my wife, who has assisted, for 9 years, in the management of a website, “VetWivesLivingWithPTSD@yuku.com” I am removing any request to divulge emails prior to commenting on Veteran Veritas. I thought I did that some time ago, but I noticed the site still asks for it, but states it will not be published. I am not even going to ask for an email or any data. Knowing the sensitivity of Veterans issues, this may bring more readers, who are myriad, into the dialogue.
It is the discussion aspect of blogging that distinguishes us from Main Stream Media. “When the tide comes in, all the ships rise,” can also apply to the dialectic rise from many voices commenting together.
The Citizen has in its diverse collection of bloggers a few who pre-censor and simply disallow any voices of dissent. The irony being, that they are tho ones with the siren calls of First Amendment rights.
Veterans Affairs by way of the very demographic base that it touches, should be the ultimate town square of freedom of speech without needing to divulge who you are to anyone. So lets all ride together as we of much faith work toward a day where there is not one suicide in the ranks of our soldiers and veterans. It can be done.
The aforementioned website is a virtual garden of caring for the spouses of vets. Check it out.

By: mike_brewer

mike_brewer — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:28:15 +0000

Thanks,”Ghostrider” I sleep better knowing that someone is listening.

By: Ghostrider1

Ghostrider1 — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:09:09 +0000

I dunno. I got word tonight that another Army Recruiter committed suicide up in the Great Lakes area this month. In the announcement about the suicide prevention stand down and resilience training today, it appears USAREC mentioned that their last suicide was in Alameda, CA on June 23, 2010. Let’s get our facts straight here. That was two months ago. I’m from the old west myself – remember the character Ben Wade in The 3:10 From Yuma? Just when you were ready to give him the benefit of the doubt and thought he was ready to accept his punishment, he killed someone else. A rogue criminal like an unaccountable organization – don’t turn your back. USAREC has had 17 suicides from 2001 – 2008, and several more since. These are combat vets – not soldiers on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. They are right here among us working away at their desks in some strip mall in your town. These deaths should be in the spotlight – they are happening right here in our own towns – not overseas where they are just a newspaper clipping. Pat Tillman’s parents haven’t put up with self serving excuses from the Army – we shouldn’t either when it comes to Army Recruiters dying among us. MG Donald M. Campbell CG at USAREC – the only way to make them stop is to hold these Brigade and Battalion Commanders accountable. These Army Recruiters are right here among us – they’re not under fire. If the Brigade and Battalion Commanders can’t put an end to this and get the combat vets the help they need, turn USAREC over to the Army civilians or contract it out now!

By: Ghostrider1

Ghostrider1 — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:13:00 +0000

Regarding the comment above, special thanks goes to MG Donald Campbell, the Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, USAREC, for scheduling this special Suicide Prevention Day and resilience training. Soldier and Family Assistance Program Managers look deep into the eyes and hearts of these Army Recruiter clients on a daily basis and they need the help and support of all the Brigade and Battalion team members in supporting soldier and family wellness. It has to be a conscious effort – SFAPM’s cannot and have not been able to do it alone within the Battalions. And don’t forget the rest of the USAREC civilian employees – they are the silent and hard working backbone of every Battalion. Take care of them equally as well. The soldiers have Military One Source – the civilians need to have an Employee Assistance Program, that is working. Bravo, USAREC!

By: Ghostrider1

Ghostrider1 — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:02:59 +0000

Thank you for the caring and thoughtful article. You understand. Suicide ideation, attempts, and finally the successful act – come from a feeling that nothing is left – as in – “what’s the use – there are no other solutions available to me”. I know. You think hard about all the possible solutions and you cross each of them off the list. You can’t think of one that will work – except the last one, suicide. Today the U S Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) is having a stand down day dedicated mostly to educating the military and civilian staff on suicide prevention and the care and nurturing of each team member. 70% of Army Recruiters are combat vets – they deserve the embrace and comfort of their teammates, along with the encouragement and support required to complete the mission. Also Army civilians who work shoulder to shoulder with combat vets all day need the understanding and compassion of management as well. They need Employee Assistance Programs in place. And lastly, the USAREC Solider & Family Assistance Program Managers deserve to be treated with kindness, in return for their dedicated 24/7 love and care of the USAREC Brigade and Battalion Recruiter brothers and sisters in uniform. Thank you, USAREC, for this very special day.

By: Cash Green

Cash Green — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:07:19 +0000

Hope is a gift we offer ourselves. It comes after discernment and acceptance. If all of our information becomes focused on some horrible reality that we wish was only a nightmare, our ability to receive that gift can disappear.