End 22 a Day

05/31/2021

Remembering EVERYONE who paid the ultimate price of War, including those who were overwhelmed with Survivors Guilt and other hidden demons - We Remember You ❤️

A Tribute. Scenes taken from Taking Chance.

10/25/2020

Please, PLEASE, Check on your People!!!

People with traumatic amputations have higher levels of anxiety and depression, and families of three veterans said coronavirus-related restrictions contributed to their su***des.

10/08/2020

I’ve been laid up with a medical issue as well as dealing with the passing of my Father and not long after, his wife, my stepmom in the last 12 months. This had made maintaining the memorial site to the standards it deserves as well as I desire has fallen short.

I wish to offer a TREMENDOUS Heartfelt Salute to who ever visited this week and did a fantastic job mowing and cleaning things up, words don’t express my gratitude 🙏

That, along with the recent donation and installation of all new pennants by a local Patriot (and Veteran) with the help of his Granddaughter (Thanks George T.) were great boosts to MY morale ❤️

07/22/2020

This was messaged to me by a follower of the page (Ric West) - I commend it to us all as terrific food for thought. Way past time to "Buddy Up".

Stopping Veteran su***de?! First, understand the problem. Make no assumptions.

It's not one variable. Its the world, after service. Its:

• The strength of character, in the face of adversity (whatever the personal challenge or demographic)
• It's being in a team and having value, then getting out and having no team; no perceived value
• It's losing a limb, or function, that cost a part of who you are at the core; making excuses about how you "used to be able to..."
• It's holding your dying buddy in your arms every night and being blinded by tears that all he wants is the photo of his kids from his wallet
• It's the screams of those you actioned violence upon, after the last shot is fired and they are making their exit from this earth. Not all were bad guys. For a good guy, that's a tough pill
• It's making a commitment to a wife... girlfriend... significant other... fighting and preparing to die for them; finding out they sought pleasure from others and that your sacrifice had no value to them
• It's mismanagement by the DOD, of individuals' expectations about life-sustaining after-service opportunities
• Etc...

Employment?!! Look at the architectural structure of USA Jobs. It basically (indirectly) offers enlisted $25k - $36k per year on a seasonal basis, by specifying disqualifying requirements for any high-level opportunities; regardless of roles & responsibilities held in duty. Most of their positions are created to promote from within the already employed contractor ranks while maintaining compliance to employment laws. The competition is already over and the spots are already tentatively taken. So it falls on who you know. Not everyone is gonna help, or can.

At the end of the day, raising your right hand and swearing an oath to your nation may someday become an oath to self, if you find you are all alone. That's a big battle to win, the defense of one's self against all enemies foreign or domestic; with noone there to share the foxhole.

Veteran su***de can only be conquered by a "No Man Left Behind" overwatch of ETSers and Retirees.

American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Purple Heart Association; anyone in a position to offer connectivity and support after service.... Noone goes home alone. Everyone gets a Battle Buddy.

If you served, is there an expiration date on your commitment to duty, honor, loyalty, professionalism...? I challenge: Are you reaching out to vets in your community, to develop the duty roster and defend the perimeter?

Remember, One Team; One Fight!!!

Never forget!!!

05/24/2020

It's been a LONG year in many ways.

My father, a WWII Veteran passed away August 26th and I became the sole caregiver for his widow, my Stepmom. She was diagnosed with several additional conditions soon after his death, including advanced melanoma. My health and mobility was significantly reduced also, and I was ordered to bedrest to try and heal my legs, preventing blood clots - so the memorial has not been cared for as I'd like,

Sadly, Mom passed March 9th just as the whole COVID crisis was picking up speed.

During all this, the City finally settled with me on their quest to kick me off the property where this memorial is, so after this Memorial Day and Summer, I will be forced to take it down. My health and mobility were significantly reduced last year also, and I was ordered to bedrest to try and heal my legs, preventing blood clots - so the memorial has not been cared for as I'd like so perhaps it's for the best, That will be a sad day.

If anyone has the land, and location to relocate the crosses/memorial to, please let me know.

07/04/2019

If you Graduated Basic/Boot Camp - You Will NEVER BE ALONE - Please remember that!

"Reaching Out works BOTH WAYS"
When in the thick of it - REACH OUT
When in a Great Place - REACH OUT to someone who may not be.

Sometimes Life is the Fu***ng WALL - Remember... Hit it hard, Teamwork, No man left behind.

25 Marines died, 200 more were injured, during the Darkhorse Battalion’s 2010 deployment to the Helmand Province of Southern Afghanistan.

06/29/2019

This is a gut punch every time I run across it, never forget fu***rs, never forget-Freud

02/04/2019

New adaptation of a tried and true truism!

Allowing someone the opportunity to help YOU is a gift to BOTH of you and more.

"A soldier with PTSD fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. When a SNCO walked by the Soldier called out for help, but the SNCO yelled back, "Suck it up son, dig deep and drive on," then threw him a shovel. The Soldier did as he was told and dug that hole deeper.
A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier called out for help again. The Officer told him "use the tools your SNCO has given you", then threw him a bucket. The Soldier used the tools and he dug the hole deeper still and filled the bucket.
A psychiatrist walked by. The Soldier called, “Help! I can’t get out!” so the psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, "Take this. It will relieve the pain and you will forget about the hole.” The Soldier said "thanks" and followed his advice, but when the pills ran out he was still in the hole.
A well-known psychologist rode by and heard the Soldiers cries for help. He stopped and asked, “How did you get there? Were you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness.” So the Soldier talked with him for an hour, then the psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Soldier thanked him, but he was still in the hole.
Another Soldier , just like him, happened to be passing by. The Soldier with PTSD cried out, “Hey, help me. I’m stuck in this hole!” and right away the other Soldier jumped down in there with him. The Soldier with PTSD started to panic and said, “What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck down here!” But the other Soldier just smiled and replied, “It’s okay, calm down, brother. I’ve been here before..... I know how to get out.”
No matter what you're going through, you are never alone.
But don't be too proud to SHOUT OUT!, 'HELP I'm stuck in this Hole' …...
We all get stuck in a hole from time to time but all it takes is to ask your buddies for help and we will be there even if we have to jump in that hole with you."

01/11/2019

Great post from a good friend!

We can all help prevent su***de. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

10/06/2018

Get out there and LAUGH!