Category: suicide

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This Pandemic is causing Havoc with Our Veterans

Since I last posted we have had 36 new subscribers. Welcome to all of you. We are now averaging over 15 new subscribers a day. I am proud to be your blogger, that wants the very best for each of you as veterans, or family members of veterans.

It has been a nightmare for those who are locked up and not able to get out to do things because of the virus. My State of Oregon is getting hit hard. The county I live in is a red hot spot for the virus. Second highest in the state.

As a veteran, who has underlining problems with my health, I have no choice. My wife and I go on walks. We get in our car and drive to no where just to get out. We do our grocery shopping online and go to the store, and they bring out what we ordered.

I fear that this Pandemic is causing havoc with those veterans who have their own battles of PTSD, TBI, Depression, Anxiety, etc. They are fighting their own, war only to have the enemy coming to their door.

Here are some suggestions to get your mind off of what is happening in the world.

  1. Do not turn the TV on and read. There are millions of great books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and many smaller book stores online, like Powell’s Books in Portland Oregon.
  2. Write! This is a wonderful way to get “away.” I wrote my first book,Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World, just from some journals I had written, and it won a National Award from the Reader’s Favorite Awards. WRITE!
  3. Some have taken up art. You can draw or paint. I am not good at either, but you may have just what you need to relieve yourself of stress.
  4. Hand select movies on your TV that are uplifting and makes you laugh. We have a free movie section on our TV. I have watched a ton of them the last three months.
  5. Use Zoom, Skype, or any other connection, to talk to your buddies, or family. I have been doing this and it gives me hope and helps me smile.

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Seriously, how are YOU doing? Are you having a bad time adjusting to all this mess around us? Do you have times of depression, and anxiety? I know how you feel, because I have been there.

If it is getting far too overwhelming, get Help!

You are not a sissy for getting help. I know that some people thing that since we are veterans, that we should be able to handle anything. Total lie!

If you are hurting look for help. Here is a 24/7 toll free free number to get immediate help .

1-800-273-8255 (option # 1)

Just do it!!

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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+If you feel this site is valuable and helpful for you, please subscribe. When you do all future posts will delivered directly to your inbox. Just go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” It will guide you. Also, if you know of some veterans who are hurting or could benefit from this site please let them know about it.

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New Weapons coming for Our Troops

I can’t tell how proud I am of all the new subscribers are coming on board. Since I last posted 17 new veterans have subscribed. WELCOME!!!

I have some more military news for you and much more:

 HVAC Conducts Oversight Hearing on VA Telehealth: On Tuesday, members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Technology Modernization and Health Subcommittees, VA, and VSOs discussed the expansion and impact of VA telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Tammy Barlet stated according to data from a COVID-19 survey conducted by the VFW VA converted many routine care appointments to telehealth. “Telehealth overcomes longstanding barriers, allowing veterans to maintain their continuum care with providers they trust” she said.

TRICARE Select Enrollment Fees Beginning 2021: Starting in 2021, some military retirees will have enrollment fees for the first time. This group includes those using TRICARE Select, who are under 65 years old, and who joined the military before 2018. The monthly fee for an individual is $12.50 and $25 for a family. Defense health officials stated these veterans will receive communication from their regional contractors with instructions on how to set up payments. It is important to note that failure to pay will mean loss of coverage until the following open enrollment period. 

 MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced four new identifications for service members who have been missing and unaccounted-for from WWII and the Korean War. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:

— Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Robert T. Stout, 21, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Stout. Interment services are pending. 
— Marine Corps Pfc. John M. Fahy, 19, was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Fahy died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. Interment services are pending. 
— Army Master Sgt. James L. Quong, 30, was an Army Reserve captain in World War II but gave up his commission to join the Regular Army as a master sergeant in the Korean War, he was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered. Interment services are pending. 
— Army Cpl. Francis J. Rochon, 21, was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 1, 1950, near Changnyeong, South Korea. The Army officially declared Rochon deceased on Dec. 31, 1953, and declared his remains non-recoverable Jan. 16, 1956. Interment services are pending. 

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There has been a big increase in building new weapons for our troops. That is thanks to President Trump. He believes that a strong military will avoid wars. I think he is right.

New fire arms, new vehicles, new radar equipment, better tanks, etc.

This allows our troops to be more protected and able to defend even better.

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There still is a stand off in Seattle. The no cop zone has actually grown. The protesters have stated that they will not leave, even though the Mayor has finally said they have to go.

We will see how that turns out.

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How are you doing my friend? Are you doing OK? I know it can be very hard to transcend into the civilian life. Does it seem a little overwhelming. Do you suffer from PTSD, TBI, Depression, anxiety, etc?

GET HELP!

I have said this before but it is still true. You are not weak by seeking help. Yes, there are those who think a military person should tough and work it out on his/her own. NOT TRUE!!

Get the help you need and do it now. Here is a life line that is 24/7. Use it if you need it:

I -800-273-8255 (option #1)

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Be sure to subscribe because my next post will talk about my new upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. I will also share some powerful endorsements from top military people to show that it is liked by many important people.

If you feel this site is worth it please click on the subscribe icon at the top of this page. When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never unloved.

You are never forsaken.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Endorsements for My New Book, “Signs of Hope for the Military”

Started keeping track of new subscribers on June 1st. On that day we had 8,093. Today we are up to 8,224. What a wonderful increase. I am so honored to have all of you here.

My last post I shared with you the outline of my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

It is a good post to go back to if you are new.

Tonight I thought I would share with you some of the outstanding endorsements my book has been receiving. I will only share a couple tonight:

Most of us are fortunate not to have experienced the stress of combat.  Words cannot adequately define the grinding daily pressure of knowing that every time you step outside the gate the enemy will try to kill you and your buddies.  You are constantly alert, on point; but how can you protect your team from the instantaneous blast of the IED?  You are part of a highly-trained team poised to execute, but what has prepared you for the mental toll of being on edge every moment.  The skills that helped you survive….have taken a toll and are now working against you when you return home.  What do you do now; where do you turn?  Whether you are dealing with PTSD, TBI, depression, homelessness, or recovering from wounds; Doug Bolton has answers…..this book has answers!

Jim Jaeger

Brigadier General, USAF, ret

San Antonio, TX

Member of the Board, Victory for Veterans

Although ‘Signs of Hope For the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life’ wasn’t written for men only, it brings honesty and openness to veterans, and military personnel about feeling ok to express fears and emotional challenges in a difficult world.  US Army Retired Veteran, Mr. Douglas Bolton brings his personal stories to life in a way we all can relate to and gives a big “you’re ok” for revealing our shortcomings and encourages us to open up and talk.  A must read for those seeking healing and forgiveness from ourselves and those wanting a fresh look on life. 

Steve Durgin, Founder & CEO with Victory For Veterans Foundation. 

Huntington, Beach California

There are many more. I will share some in future posts.

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How are you doing? Are you struggling? Do you find situations where you are actually afraid?

You certainly are not alone. I was there, and over 8,000 followers here have been with you.

What can we do to overcome the darkside, that wants to torment us? The most important thing you can do, my friend, is get help. I know, it is hard to admit that you need help. You are a tough military veteran Right?

Never fall for that. I got help. I am here because of the help. I was near self imposed death at one time. That was in 2001.

Here is your life line of you think you need it. It is 24/7.

1-800-273-8255 (Option # 1)

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never fosaken,

You are never unloved.

And above all….Never, ever, give up!