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Today we're publishing a story I began working on months ago. It was held up for many reasons -- most recently the #COVID19 pandemic.
We struggled with whether to release this story now, but I believe the message these Marines have is even more important during social isolation.
We struggled with whether to release this story now, but I believe the message these Marines have is even more important during social isolation.
“Trying to adjust back into the real world, with the pretty little house with the white picket fence and the wife and kids — we don’t want that. It’s very hard to settle for that because we were conquering the world 15 years ago.” https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
“These were some of the hardest-hit combat units in the entire military ... Now they’ve lost more after those deployments than during.” https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
These Marines are working to save each other, where experts and billions of dollars in funding and programming have failed to move the needle.
"If I ever get in that dark, dark spot again, I know these guys will answer the phone and understand.” https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
"If I ever get in that dark, dark spot again, I know these guys will answer the phone and understand.” https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
It's about hope.
"Do you need food, your rent paid? We got you, what’s next? Now, if someone reaches out, I’ve got a Marine knocking on a door within an hour. We know we can count on each other. You’re not alone. You don’t have to do this alone.” https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
"Do you need food, your rent paid? We got you, what’s next? Now, if someone reaches out, I’ve got a Marine knocking on a door within an hour. We know we can count on each other. You’re not alone. You don’t have to do this alone.” https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/retreats-help-marines-protect-each-other-from-suicide
First, I want to thank the Marines who were kind enough to tell me their stories -- far more than I could fit in this single story — and the stories of those they've lost.
It wasn't easy. But they did it because they want to help.
It wasn't easy. But they did it because they want to help.
I want to thank @Doc_Springer for her help and the work she does with these vets. Shining a light on these stories is more important than ever, including the work being done to prevent these deaths.
20 veterans die by suicide daily, according to VA data.
20 veterans die by suicide daily, according to VA data.
Most importantly: If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the Veteran Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 (select option 1 for a VA staff member). Veterans, service members or their families also can text 838255 or go to http://veteranscrisisline.net .
Our newsroom is a lot different now than it was when I began reporting for this story. That's one piece of why it took so long to publish.
But those of us still here believe in stories like this and will do our best to keep producing them.
But those of us still here believe in stories like this and will do our best to keep producing them.
