The Ladies Auxiliary VFW SEPTEMBER


Military Suicide Awareness Month


A reported 20-30 percent of returning soldiers have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a major


contributor to suicidal thoughts.


suicide at a rate of one per day during that month. This is only part of a tragic story that the U.S. military is working hard to change. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan near the 10-year mark, the stresses continue to accumulate for service personnel who have been deployed numerous times. A reported 20-30 percent of returning soldiers have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a major contributor to suicidal thoughts.


A


All branches of the military along with the Department of Veterans Affairs are working to lower these heartbreaking numbers, provide better mental health services and bring awareness to the public.


ccording to Army statistics, in June 2010 soldiers committed


mourns the death of every single soldier, no matter the cause. To show our support of the military’s own September Suicide Awareness Month, 2011-2012 Americanism Director Sandi Onstwedder will be promoting the Suicide Awareness Teardrop sticker. Available for download at


www.ladiesauxvfw.org under “Programs” then “Americanism”, the Teardrop sticker template can be printed on any sticker paper. Cut out the individual stickers (see inset) and wear one every day in the month of September to show your concern for this issue and bring awareness to the general public. When someone asks you what the sticker is for, explain the sharp rise in military suicides. If someone has a loved one who may need help, give them the VFW National Home’s hotline 800-313-4200 or the National Suicide Prevention hotline 800-273-TALK (8255). Tell them where they can print the stickers for themselves, too. “It’s a small gesture of solidarity and concern,” said Onstwedder. “These men and women are our heroes, and anything we can do to bring this issue to light is a chance to help one of them.” n


Need more information or help?


Go to www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/ or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/


JULY 2011 31


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36