ANOTHER SOLDIER SUICIDE, This ones close to home for me I am at a loss for words right now, still in shock

SSG Angela Valtierra — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 06:50:27 -0400

Found out a soldier in my unit committed suicide this is not the first time I have had this happen, the first time I talked to me friend then 5 days later he killed himself he was in the wtb with me and I was working at the time for the Morgue in the hospital,

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 7:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 07:07:00 -0400

Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you. We are here for you!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Soldier's family and friends.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 10 at 2014 8:37 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:37:26 -0400

WOW! My condolences to you and your soldier's family. A death is always a trying time for anyone, and I would guess even more so under the circumstances you describe. Please, please, please reach out for help and support locally and here as you need it.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 10 at 2014 9:04 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 09:04:17 -0400

Tragically you never know who in the room is contemplating this ideas while we receive hours of training on this. I just attended last week, the closest I have had was my 16 yr old 2nd cousin the last day I was in Afghanistan. That was 2012 and a shocker for sure.

He reached out to others, but his parents were blind and did not see the pattern, however, his friends and facebook post clearly showed the possibility and stresses.

All I can say is that I hope you do not have anymore so close, it is tough on those who remain behind and who keep asking themselves....why?

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jul 10 at 2014 9:46 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 09:46:07 -0400

It is never easy to be in your position. Try to remember that there is support and friendship available here if & when your need arises. My condolences for your loss.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 2 at 2014 11:33 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 23:33:42 -0400

Condolences for the loss of your friend. As others have said, reach out if you need help. It's there for the asking.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 3 at 2014 1:03 AM

SPC David S. — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 01:03:45 -0400

SSG Angela Valtierra truly sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your friends as well as their families are in my prayers during this difficult time. While you may not perceive any noticeable change I beseech that you seek out some sort of concealing in dealing with this. Also remember that we are here for you all you need to do is reach out. Thanks for sharing this and giving us the opportunity to pay homage to your friends and our brothers in arms.
With deepest sympathy

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Sep 19 at 2014 4:49 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 04:49:18 -0400

It's good to see people follow up and check in. Hope things are improving. Stay connected and keep the rest of us up to date.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 19 at 2014 5:10 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 05:10:56 -0400

Thats a hard thing to carry. My condolences. People need to realize that the military isn't a 9-5 job. Nor do we put it away after discharge.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 19 at 2014 8:52 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:52:40 -0400

SSG Angela Valtierra, if there is anything any of us can do for you or any other service member, we will. I am deeply sorry for the loss of this brave Soldier and will think of his family and friends hoping they are able to recover.

Thank you for posting this and reminding us all this issue is but one person, phone call, or act away from being us.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 19 at 2014 12:29 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:29:37 -0400

It hurts all of use when part of our Military Family does this horrible thing. My Cousin chose the same Path, he served as an 88M in Iraq.

I do feel your pain.
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Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 2:01 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:01:10 -0400

Words cannot console you at this time. I am incredibly sorry for your and his family's loss.

It is so important; strike that **IMPERITIVE** for people to reach out for help and seek out the tranquility that he/she/they so desperately need.

We, as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsman, h*ll, as HUMANS, have to stay connected to each other. Possibly make a difference to someone weighing that terrible decision that day. A simple smile and a quick "How are you? You look sad/preoccupied/upset/like you could use a walk or talk..." can make all the difference. Possibly save a life. Put down the smartphones and take an interest in the people around you. :)