What resources are available to track down a veteran who disappeared from his home and may be suicidal?

2016-12-16T10:14:27-05:00

My best friend this morning who lives in the Baltimore area, just up left, left his belonging behind and was seeking help probably for suicide, need anyone's help on how I might be able to track him down to ensure he doesn't hurt himself and is safe.

Response by Cpl Martha Deithorn made Dec 16 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-12-16T10:17:18-05:00

Have you tried contacting the local news, I have also seen people put information out on FB with a picture and ask for others to share, and others to share which gets the word out pretty quickly.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 16 at 2016 10:22 AM

2016-12-16T10:22:53-05:00

The way I am reading the post, it sounds like you are not in the same location, that makes it even harder.
I am assuming that you have tried calling him on his cell phone? It is 2016 and almost everyone is connected most of the time.
See if you know anyone with boots on the ground in the area.
Sadly, there is probably very little the police can or will do if we are talking just hours?
See if you can reach out to his family in the area as a first step. They may know where he might go or be?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-12-16T10:35:30-05:00

Call the local authorities. Call the local news media. Call any and all family and friends that he has in the area. That's about all you can do.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Dec 16 at 2016 10:38 AM

2016-12-16T10:38:54-05:00

Call Local Hospitals Breath and Think..where is his safe spot? He may be there, but call All Local Veteran Organizations, any Volunteer Fire Department or ems will also keep an eye out.
But the vets in your community will get right out there

Response by SSgt Paul Esquibel made Dec 16 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-12-16T10:59:41-05:00

Thank you all, I've put out emergency alerts on him via facebook and social media, I'm awaiting car info from his girlfriend and possibly social or drivers license to contact local authorities and the Veteran Crisis line, thank you all for your help.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-12-16T11:01:51-05:00

If you haven't contacted the authorities do so.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 16 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-12-16T11:05:18-05:00

we had a similar problem...
Notified Local LEO and Local Friends and family...
and a couple of guys lived with in driving distance and drove down to check on Him...

Response by Sgt Ian Richmond made Dec 16 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-12-16T11:18:22-05:00

The local police are the best. You can call and ask for a welfare check fearing for their safety. In my experience in property management, the Police are usually very responsive.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 16 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-12-16T11:59:20-05:00

Call the cops first and foremost and start working your social media network.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 16 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-12-16T14:44:01-05:00

Can you provide more information?

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 20 at 2016 8:39 PM

2016-12-20T20:39:56-05:00

Has anyone contacted the law they could bring in the dogs but they need to have his scent from maybe some other closes at his house that way it might help by finding him.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Dec 26 at 2016 2:59 AM

2016-12-26T02:59:45-05:00

1. Welfare check.
2. Post on FB. It will go global in a matter of hours; be specific and include a recent picture if possible.
3. Call any friends you can think of that might know more.
4. Hospitals are not allowed to give out any info regarding patients so if a friend has checked in, he is going to be almost impossible to locate until discharge.
5. Prepare in advance and ask for names or contacts you can call before it is an emergency,
6. Stay put until you hear something. Our gut tells us to get in the car and go. He might be coming to you.
7. Remember it is not your fault or responsibility if you are too late. Once someone has made up his mind, the window for safety is small. Be as supportive as you can but you must also take care of yourself.

I have had patients who claimed they were fine. They were discharged and within 24 hours they made their final choice. I have had more who who bought enough time to get safe. TBIs are especially vulnerable because of impulsivity from brain damage. Drinking /Drugging magnifies everything.

I pray things turn out well.