suicide Archives - Page 7 of 19

August 28, 2020August 31, 2020

It is the National Suicide Month. Get Help if you Need it

I have been out because of computer problems. My last post was over ten days ago. Sorry that I wasn’t there for you during that time.

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If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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I have told you this before, but I live near the dreaded city of Portland, Oregon. There have been over 90 straight days that rioting has taken place. Buildings are being burnt down, and many of them are owned by black people.

President Trump has again said he will send help if asked. The very weak mayor of Portland, isn’t interested. He actually admitted yesterday that the rioting must stop. He is saying that after 90+ days of terror??

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September is National Suicide Prevention month. This, of course, is dear to my heart. I have too many friends who have lost loved ones.

The suicides are extremely high in the military. Every day over 22 brothers and sisters take their own lives. That is very sad. They aren’t reaching out for help when they need it.

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We are celebrating 75 years since the end of the WWII war. There were many personale who lost their lives defending our country. Here are just a few numbers:

Army- 11,727
Navy- 6,266 (1,518 in one day at Pearl Harbor)
Marines- 16, 025

This is just a parcial of the total. There were pilots, and other airforce groups who died.

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Here are some actual thoughts about the end of the war, of some who fought:

“I was quite happy when the war was over. I knew I would get home.”

John Stokes, Navy armed guard, SS Louis Weule, Manila, Philippines.

“I was on the scope of the deck, and we were about 200 yards off the Missouri. I watched MacArthur and all the Japanese sign the papers. I was so glad to see it was over.

W.Rex Kocher Navy fire control 2nd class, USS Wedderburn Tokyo Bay, escorting the USS Missouri.

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How are you doing my friend? Are you struggling? Have there been too many bad days?

You certainly are not alone. There are over 9,000 fellow brothers and sisters on this site who have your back. Don’t spend another minute suffering.

If it too overwhelming for you right now, GET HELP!! The majority of suicides in the military are because the person never even seeked help. Do not be one of the people. Below is a toll free number for you to call for help. There are highly trained counselors there to help you:

1-800-273-8255

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

July 27, 2020July 27, 2020

USS Aircraft Carrier Found in the South Pacific

I am going back to sharing some military stories. Many are very recent. Some are short and some are very informative.

USS Hornet Found in South Pacific

The wreckage of a U.S. aircraft carrier famous for launching a bombing raid on Japan four months after the Pearl Harbor attack was discovered in January.

B-52 bombers took off from the Hornet took off on April 18th, 1942 to attack the Japanese mainland. The attack was led by Lt Col James H. Doolittle.

Six months later the Hornet was put out of commission after being struck by multiple bombs and torpedoes.

While being towed by the USS Northampton the Hornet was attacked again by 11 Japanese bombers.

To prevent its capture, U.S. ships scuttled the Hornet with 16 torpedoes. When it finally sank It took the bodies of 140 sailors with it.

The estate of Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, funded the operation to find it.

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I have another interview to share with you from my upcoming book:

In my book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life,

I have many interviews. Here is part of one of many:

I had the honor of accidentally connecting with a WWII veteran while shopping at my local grocery store. I saw him as I walked down the first aisle. I walked past him and then thought, Why didn’t I say hello and thank him for his service.

Then when I came into the milk aisle I saw him again. I walked over to him and told him thank you for his service. He said he was in Okinawa during the war. That was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

We said our goodbyes, and went on. Then I wondered why I didn’t ask him if I could interview him. I was very angry with myself.

I got all my groceries and was heading towards a register. They have those dividers between each register so you can’t see the head of the line until you get there.

I came around the divider and there was the WWII veteran right ahead of me. That did it. I quickly asked him if we could meet and let me interview him. He said he would be glad to do it.

He gave me a card with his phone number on it and we parted our ways.

The next day I arranged to meet him at his home.

Here is what happened during the interview

I sat on the couch close to him because his hearing wasn’t good. I found out he was 98 years old. He look great for that age.

I began to ask him questions

What did you do while in Okinawa?

WWII VET

I was a Captain, and in charge of a company of shipping crews. We unloaded the ships as they came into the harbor.

You actually unloaded the supplies, ammo, and equipment for those that were on the front not far from you? That was a pretty vital mission.

WWII VET

Yes it was, and we were being bombed by the Japanese constantly.

What was your worst moment?

WWII Vet

I was on one of the ships and I fell overboard right between a barge and the ship. They were very close together. I had to struggle and swim to the end of the ship to get out.

I also had to keep our men safe from all the bombing.

There is much more to this interview, but you will have to buy the book to find out what else he said. (This is called a hook!)

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As a veteran, if you are struggling with the world as you know it, and having trouble mixing in the civilian world, you certainly are not alone. There thousands of your fellow brothers and sisters struggling along with you.

It is not showing you are weak by getting help. 22 veterans take their own lives every day. Many didn’t even try to seek help.

If you are struggling with PTSD, TBI, anxiety, depression, get help and do it now. There is a 24/7 connection for you to call at:

1-800-273-8255

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never ever, give up!

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020

A Man is Shot by a Sniper and Survives

I have a full post today. It will be long, but I think you will find lots of interesting information.

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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This story is about a soldier who was shot by a sniper. It is an amazing story of survival.

On January 18, 2008, a bullet pierced Russell “Russ” Kaufmann’s neck while he was on patrol in Iraq. It was the only place on this body not covered by a helmet or armor.

“I wasn’t scared. I was thinking, ‘This is it, I’m going to die.’”

While the bullet tore his flesh, it was the massive blood loss that did the most damage. It caused two strokes. Russ credits his survival to the excellent care he received in Germany and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also credits his determination to live. But his life changed forever.

After multiple surgeries and strokes, he is a man unable to talk and has several physical limitations. Those limitations include aphasia, weakness on the right side of his body and difficulty with his vision. Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read and write.

Suddenly, Russ became a man who can see and understand the world, but no longer fully engage with it.

Finding alternative ways of communicating

Russ receives treatment at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Speech Language clinic in Tampa. Russ is working with a VHA speech language pathologist to restore as much speech and language as possible. He also is finding alternative ways to communicate.

“Oh… he’s amazing for sure. He has a memory like a steel trap. He also has knowledge for days and phenomenal mental flexibility and use of communication strategies,” said Karyn Pingel, his speech pathologist.

“If I don’t understand what he’s trying to convey, he immediately uses his smart phone to communicate through pictures or draws his own picture,” Pingel said. “Russ will also gesture or pantomime to get his message across. I have been blessed with his presence in Tampa. I love every opportunity to work with him.” Learning and using different nonverbal ways to communicate has enabled Russ to continue his path to recovery. He now lives independently and volunteers

What an amazing hero!

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White House, VA launch REACH — a call to action to engage the nation in preventing suicide

WASHINGTON – The White House and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide.

The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is to change the conversation around suicide by urging people to recognize their own risk and protective factors — as well as the risk and protective factors of their loved ones.

“REACH will empower our nation’s Veterans to seek and receive help and it will encourage them to reach out to their brothers and sisters in need who may be vulnerable,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The power of this campaign will change how we talk about mental health and suicide in our nation. It will ensure that those in need, especially the men and women who have served our great nation, will receive the care and support they deserve.”

“The REACH campaign will inspire and educate all Americans — encouraging them to share their own struggles and to reach out to those who are hurting. It will engage our Veterans to help lead the way as we change how we think about, talk about and address suicide,” said PREVENTS Executive Director Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen. “I urge everyone to go to wearewithinreach.net and take the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH and be part of the solution. Together, we will prevent suicide.”

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I am now switching gears to share some endorsements for my new upcoming book called, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

These aren’t friends or family endorsements. These are from powerful military leaders who have looked at the book:

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

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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

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!