Every journalist has a dream: Working on a story that makes the world a better place. I am living that dream right now.
Like Martin Luther King's dream, which was born in the harsh realities of America's history of racial injustice, my dream story began in a dreadfully dark place.
In June 2010, a young U.S. Army veteran was alone in his apartment in Hampton, N.H. His world had melted down to the point where there was nothing left but his post-traumatic stress disorder, a bottle of alcohol and a handgun. This decorated combat veteran decided the best option available to him was to end his life with the pull of a trigger.
The torment this soldier endured, a barely imaginable pain that will haunt his family members the rest of their lives, has inspired me to do the best work of my 17-year journalism career.
With partners at a growing number of New Hampshire media organizations, I am working on a journalism project about suicide in the military community that will hopefully become a model for other journalists to follow across the United States and around the world. The project will come to fruition this Veterans Day weekend, but there is a message that needs to get out now.
One of my best sources for this project shared an undeniable truth with me this week: "We all need to play a part in suicide prevention."
Whether you are in the military, working for a civilian human services agency, employ members of the military community at your business, or have loved ones who have been in the military, look out for these men and women. If they are not discussing what happened during their tours of duty, do not assume that they are OK. Do not be afraid to ask how they are doing.
These are proud people who are often reluctant, even ashamed, to share their afflictions. But do not run the risk of losing them and wondering for the rest of your life if there was more you could have done to help. I have spoken with some of those people. You do not want to be one of them.
Like Martin Luther King's dream, which was born in the harsh realities of America's history of racial injustice, my dream story began in a dreadfully dark place.
In June 2010, a young U.S. Army veteran was alone in his apartment in Hampton, N.H. His world had melted down to the point where there was nothing left but his post-traumatic stress disorder, a bottle of alcohol and a handgun. This decorated combat veteran decided the best option available to him was to end his life with the pull of a trigger.
The torment this soldier endured, a barely imaginable pain that will haunt his family members the rest of their lives, has inspired me to do the best work of my 17-year journalism career.
With partners at a growing number of New Hampshire media organizations, I am working on a journalism project about suicide in the military community that will hopefully become a model for other journalists to follow across the United States and around the world. The project will come to fruition this Veterans Day weekend, but there is a message that needs to get out now.
One of my best sources for this project shared an undeniable truth with me this week: "We all need to play a part in suicide prevention."
Whether you are in the military, working for a civilian human services agency, employ members of the military community at your business, or have loved ones who have been in the military, look out for these men and women. If they are not discussing what happened during their tours of duty, do not assume that they are OK. Do not be afraid to ask how they are doing.
These are proud people who are often reluctant, even ashamed, to share their afflictions. But do not run the risk of losing them and wondering for the rest of your life if there was more you could have done to help. I have spoken with some of those people. You do not want to be one of them.
VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE
800-273-TALK (8255)
Press 1 for veterans
800-273-TALK (8255)
Press 1 for veterans
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