I’m ticked. Ticked to no end. I’ve talked to “Big Army” about the WTB program – I talked until my face practically turned blue. I told them that many guys/gals would rather DIE than be in the WTB. I’m not lying. It sucked for my husband, and for our family. It just didn’t suck a little, it sucked a LOT.
Now, “Big Army” is seeing suicide rates soar. Bad treatment of military men and women… do they feel lost and alone like no one cares? Well, it has to be – otherwise… why else are these soldiers killing themselves? Because they feel loved and accepted – I think NOT.
The suicide statistics for the month of July speak for themselves. 32 suicides in the Army alone in July of 2011. Things are getting better, they say… well – actions speak louder than words.
What about the other branches of military – what are their suicide rates? Where can I find them?
How I would change the system:
- Stop paying extra to “teach” someone how to care… either they are born with that gift – or not.
- Paying Cadre more than our paratroopers who risk their lives jumping out of planes, REALLY… who’s idea was that?!
- Ask for more volunteers to interact with our military men and women – they will volunteer, because they care – not because they have to or because they will be promoted.
- Let soldiers and their family members seek help, without condemning and threatening them or by treating them like a black sheep.
About USAHilda
Bravo Hilda! I’ve been on this crusade for quite some time! (All the way up to the top too!), sometimes I just want to scream. I’ve been privileged to have so much contact with military members, vets, their family members, and clinicians (as a volunteer and as an information professional) …. for close to 10 years now (military health issues, much longer re: civilian health). There is a lot of information out there (good info too), family members and their soldiers* just want/need information that is simple, easy to understand, and honest, given to them by someone they TRUST, who knows what it’s like, and doesn’t try to act like they do when they don’t know, and just listens with compassion, not pity. Social media can be a great tool for getting the word out or support, but there are a lot of people with brain injuries, PTSD (combinations…), who cannot cognitively deal with twitter or Facebook-depending on what parts of their brain have been effected, or how high theirs stress/anxiety levels are…. (they might not have even been inclined to before their injuries). And family members (like I need to tell you
, they have full plates, with their soldiers*, their children, their in-laws, and with ‘less informed’ individuals (friends/family) whom always seem to have an opinion or advice (although in most cases, they are ‘well-meaning’…), so they don’t want to be dealing with ‘more of the same’; or with PR consultants hired ($$$) to ‘speak with families about their soldier’s medical conditions (yes, this is a true statement—I’ll spare you the ridiculous details, they’ll just tick you off even more!!)…. etc. While appreciative of the efforts being made for our troops … my saying has always been: … there’s the “HOOAH” Army and there’s the “Big Green Machine” Army. Neither can be effective dealing with these very complex issues, the secret weapon … “common sense”. (What a concept, right?)
*(My son is Active-Duty Army, so most times I use the word soldier but it can also mean any service member – ‘generically’, no disrespect intended.)