PENSACOLA—Last month, the eighth annual AHERO Warrior Hook-Up Pensacola Beach was held to bring together veterans with patriotic members of local communities and provide a relaxed atmosphere that would help the physical and psychological wounds of war and military service.
In an interview with me, retired Marine Lt. Col. Dave Glassman described the event: “Wounded, injured and disabled veterans travel from all over the country to join our local veterans and citizens for a fun-filled, therapeutic, extended weekend on Pensacola Beach.â€
The suicide rate for military and veterans has climbed to 20-22 occurring daily, which has put the yearly average over 8,000.
At this year’s event, volunteer Tristessa Osborne started a testimonial journal at this year’s AHERO Warrior Hook-Up in which the participants shared their struggles with PTSD and other health issues. With the permission of those who transcribed their struggles, Tristessa shared the journal with me.
In recognition of Suicide Awareness Month, I’m publishing on the blog throughout today some of the entries and have set it up so readers can comment and maybe add to the story.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
For more on AHERO, visit here.
Anonymous: “September 2004, I killed myself more times than I can count. I’ve stared dot the barrel of my M-4 and pulled the trigger. I’ve pulled the primary and secondary safety pins on grenades while slowly feathering the spoon waiting for the primer to pop. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t contemplate suicide. What AHERO does for guys like me, a chance to fellowship with other veterans. AHERO gives us a weekend, a day, a few hours to breathe. Thank you.”
Thank you AHERO for all you do to help our Wounded Warriors , I for one as a Mom and Caregiver for 10 years now have seen the difference you make in the live’s of our Hero’s . I know I have almost lost my son several times if not in combat certainly because of it. I sent a pretty broken and depressed fellow off on a plane last month to one of your hookups and I was scared to death as to how he would do but had to let go for his sake. He came home so much better in mood and I could see more of the son I sent over seas then I have in all the time I have been caring for him since his return. The connection you allow our Wounded Hero’s to have is the best therapy there is and I hope you continue to be successful in all you do for them. In helping them you are also helping the Caregivers who so need time of respite to and time to pull it all together again for awhile.
Than you again and May God richly Bless all you do and will keep doing.