Mason served in Vietnam with the Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, Third Marine Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the Combat “V” for his valor and honorable service. John reflected on his military training and values when faced with personal and professional challenges. John was kind, smart, funny, hardworking, and a man of impeccable values and integrity who loved his wife and two children, and friends deeply. He struggled silently for many years with depression and PTSD stemming from his time in Vietnam. John didn’t want to burden his family or friends with his inner struggles. That, combined with the stigma of mental illness, prevented him from seeking sufficient treatment for his symptoms. In 2013, financial distress and pain from a back injury caused his illness to overpower him and he took his own life. John left five su***de letters, and wrote, “Get me to the VA so they can stop someone else.”
To donate directly to the Captain John D. Mason Veteran Peer Outreach Program, please click the following link: https://mcwsupport.mcw.edu/makeagift
From the "Gift Designation" drop down select OTHER and type "VARIOUS PEER PROGRAM" in the open box. Thank you for helping us to Prevent Veteran Su***de.
