Page 23 - The Military Reunion Network Sept Oct 2017 Issue
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Military Reunion Network | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | #militaryreunionsmatter
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The current veteran suicide rate It also brings up Traumatic Brain like PTSD, VA benefits issues, or
is over 7,000 per year, according Injury, Disability, Post Traumatic employment. A veteran’s post
to the most current Veterans Stress, and Survivor Guilt. Over the about a recent PTSD trigger
Administration report published course of round table discussions, generated over 100 comments
in August, of 2016. The most Veterans have alluded to one or from other veterans that had
troubling to me, of the statistics more of these characteristics in experienced a similar situation.
cited, was the 65% of veteran some form or another. They shared Social Media can be tricky though
suicide is committed by veterans the challenges of their service or because it does not completely
50 years and older. Research transitioning back to civilian life. satisfy one’s need for human
shows Veterans connected with VA Some discussed PTS triggers that connection.Enter Military Reunions.
services were less likely to become would set them back. “The sound
suicide casualties. It can be argued of a ringing phone is still tough for When veterans get together for
this is result of receiving the care me.”, said veteran Dr. Art Schmitt, a few days every year something
they needed. I would argue it is in a recent interview. Among other happens. They share stories,
more than that, it is also about duties, Dr. Schmitt flew rescue which, according to their spouses,
connection. Veterans going to the helicopters in Vietnam. A phone get more exaggerated as the years
VA are among their own. call set each mission in motion. He go by. They laugh. They remember.
details many of his missions in his They forget. They pause for those
For the past three years, I have book, “A War with No Name”. It is gone. They break bread. They
had the opportunity to speak one soldiers story about dealing create new memories together.
with veterans about the healing with and surviving PTSD. Most importantly, and perhaps
power of connection in the form without knowing it, they heal
of military reunions. The Military Another veteran Cleo DeLoner because they are among those
Reunion Network holds classes attempted suicide multiple times that “get them”. It is the same for
across the country on planning before finding the right treatment their spouses. Quiet conversations
military reunions. Lunchtime and support. She served in Somalia of struggles after a recent VA visit
topics circle around to why they during Operation Restore Hope. or upcoming event may be take
get together in the first place. The Cleo’s first suicide attempt was place. These conversations are
responses while worded differently, a gunshot to the face. She too next to impossible on social
were always the same. “They get struggles with PTSD. She now media because they happen
me, they understand what each travels the country speaking organically beginning in the
of us as individuals and as a group out about veteran suicide and buffet line or at banquet table
have experienced. They get what PTSD awareness. in the hospitality space.
I have been through, what my
wife and kids have been through.” When interviewed, Boone Cutler, Having witnessed the power of
Third Marine Division Association Cleo DeLoner and Dr. Schmitt veteran connection face to face
reunion planner, Ron Deverick, all agreed, “staying connected over the last six years prompted
said, “There is a bit of smack talk has a positive impact.” In Cleo’s my efforts to confirm that
between branches, but at the end case, she felt isolated physically staying connected and getting
of the day we all have each other’s and emotionally. The “suck it up” together for military reunions is
back regardless of the patch on military attitude limited her ability an integral part of keeping our
our sleeve as we have all been to reach out to family and friends veteran community off the path
there. We all understand.” in her community. When she to veteran suicide. While it seems
separated from the military, she basic and simple, it is critical.
My interviews included veterans lost touch with her battle buddies.
who had contemplated or “Staying connected could have The mission of The Military
attempted suicide as well those made a difference as they all lived Reunion Network is in part to
struggling with PTS. There appears through what I did.” remove all obstacles a veteran
to be a link between suicide may have in learning to plan
rate and veterans staying well Social media has allowed veterans a reunion and/or find battle
connected following military to stay in touch in greater numbers buddies. Scholarships for
separation. The experience of than ever before. Private Facebook education, event registration and
serving our country brings up groups provide an outlet for travel are available. Our goals
honor, patriotism, pride, and duty. communication and support is to help you stay connected.
groups struggling with situations #militaryreunionsmatter
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