She will be missed, what more can you do for your troops to help them? when they need it

2015-06-29T15:29:49-04:00

this is my part of the story there was a lot of people involved this is how quickly military training for Suicide prevention took hold

Last week a friend of mine took her own life. i'm Stationed in RAF Lakenheath, UK and Jess lived in VA. On my side of this story just moments after she posted up her suicide note. i felt helpless because i couldn't do much let alone anything. the only thing i could do was help get a hold of people so the police could be called. And collect the information to pass up to the leaders of SPARTA on status the best i could since it was morning already where i was it made it easier from one source. around 54+ people called the police from different parts of the US. California, Indiana, Virginia Etc. calls made by people Jess Touched & helped out one way or another. people from great distances came together to help someone they love. i am proud of my family of how we came together. Sadly is was under these conditions. My family Jess Shipps, Loren Sieg, Patricia King, SPARTA im proud to be with you

We as military members are trained with all sorts of skills. Infantry, defender, maintainer, Etc. we are always under lots of stress from work & from home. we all look out for each other we are family. talk to your troops see how they are. get them the ear they need to. we dont need another death. what do you do for your troop to make sure they are ok?

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/06/29/transgender-troops-mourn-advocate-jess-shipps/29464321/

Transgender troops mourn tireless advocate Jess Shipps

Friends and family gathered Monday at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hamtpon, Virginia, to say goodbye to former Air Force Staff Sgt. Jess Shipps, who

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 29 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-06-29T15:33:47-04:00

IT is always sad to see any member lose their life at their own hands. It is often those who help others the most that hurt the most themselves.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-06-29T15:55:40-04:00

Tragic story. We just never know the struggles that others have to endure.

It is as simple as take a moment to look out over screens, smartphones, monitors, and simply ask "Hey! How are you today?" and really mean it. AND pay attention to the replies. Not just going auto-pilot with "yeah, yeah, great to hear..." and move on towards your task list. When you know your troops, you know the slightest nuances that seem a bit "off". Engage and invest.

Response by SSG Patricia King made Jun 29 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-06-29T16:05:25-04:00

For those who knew Jessie Shipps our lives have been forever improved by her presence, and forever touched by her loss. There is absolutely so much hurt in this world. The sense of desperation someone feels to make such an ultimate decision is unfathomable unless you have been there yourself. We must do what we can to be there for our allies in need in the hopes that we will see fewer people feel as desperate as Jess did.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jun 29 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-06-29T16:17:43-04:00

This goes to show how difficult it is to live with gender dysphoria. We will never know if Jess ended her life because she regretted transitioning (as many claim is the main risk) or for other reasons.

Many on this site have seen and disagreed with my stand on transgenderism given that I'm a rabbi. But as always, the ultimate Biblical verses in this situation (imho) are Is 56:4-5: 4. For thus says the Lord to the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5. And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

So, as the Prophet says, we give Jess a name and a memorial...

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Jun 29 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-06-29T20:33:56-04:00

Tragic and heart breaking. I wish people knew there were others out here who care enough about the lives of others to do what we can to help them. Reach out to those around you if you are hurting, isolated or feel unloved.