The Suicide Epidemic by Geoffrey Dardia In 2018, the Department of Defense witnessed record-breaking suicides in almost every branch of the Armed Forces; some units saw a 6-fold increase. That same year, in Special Operations--where suicides have historically been lower than other military units--USSOCOM's suicide rates tripled. After nearly two decades of seemingly endless … [Read more...]
“It’s all in your head” – mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
"It's all in your head" - mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) by Geoffrey P. Dardia. Anyone who has battled with brain injury knows the frustration of having their injury downplayed because they "look fine" from the outside. There have been times where I wished I was missing a limb so medical providers would take me seriously. Unless you have been stuck in the shell of … [Read more...]
Caring for Those Who Have Borne the Battle, and Those They Leave Behind
Caring for Those Who Have Borne the Battle, and Those They Leave Behind by Cora Kane “To care for him who has borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan.” – Abraham Lincoln (VA motto) As Veterans Day approached this year, I wondered not just about the men and women who gave all in the ultimate sacrifice, but about their spouses and families as well. I wondered what … [Read more...]
2000 Veterans in Short Shorts to Hike in California
2000 Veterans in Short Shorts to Hike in California by Special Guest This article first appeared in The Havok Journal October 5, 2018. It is republished as social isolation continues to be a significant issue among the Veteran Community. Social isolation is a growing epidemic particularly in the Veteran Community — one that’s increasingly recognized as having … [Read more...]
Redemption: 14 years and 1 Suicide Attempt Later
From within a luxury seaside villa I swallowed them all. I hit send on my phone and I closed my eyes. After that amount of VA candy, it’s a miracle I am still alive. I often ponder what made me wake up and decide it was all over. Had I decided later in the day, after a few drinks, like most days, I would be dead right now. Alcohol significantly increases the toxicity levels of … [Read more...]
Suicide Must Stop: A Poem of Hope
Suicide Must StopI will be there for you though my weakness is so strongI need you there for me; the battle is not yet wonThe war in my mind tears my heart and soulI fear for myself tomorrow if you give up and let goI will be your comfort; I will be a rockBut I need you standing with meSuicide must stopIf you surrender now take your life and go awayMy burden just gets harder I … [Read more...]
