Dear Marine Corps

[Recursion]

http://terminallance.com/2014/02/17/rest-in-peace-tyler-cone/

The cartoonist behind Terminal Lance (you will not find about 90% of the comics funny if you don't know the Marine Corps, just as a warning) wants to spread this meme, and I agree:

Dear Marine Corps:

Your mandatory acronym-filled anti-suicide briefings aren't working. Please find something that does.

Sincerely,
Marines

PS: ideally, use the level of initiative and ingenuity expected of 19 year old Marines to deal with this.

[Wounded Bear]

1. We never heard this kind of thing when I was in...

Sorry for your loss of a good friend. They can be hard to find.

The Gov't has really been overworking our hard pressed military for about 10-12 years now. I sense it's getting kind of how it was back when I was in and Vietnam was dragging on forever.

Semper Fi, Mac!

[Recursion]

2. Semper fi

Sadly, it's the same old story; the data are just better now.

[Victor_c3]

3. I think a lot of it has to do with the way our country even looks at the wars over there

Having been a civilian for nearly 6.5 years now, I know how little most of us pay attention to what is going on in the wars over there. Also, most of us have a generally negative view of the war too. I'm sure your experiences with this in Vietnam are very similar to mine after Iraq (and this is more for the people who haven't served in combat and who are reading this), but returning to civilian life after being in combat is hard. I know I still feel an almost overwhelming sense of isolation and alienation among civilians. You mix that together with the fact that few people seem to know or care what you've been through or even seem truly thankful for what you did and you're bound to have any other psychological issues you've gained from the war amplified.

An underlying theme in my head that is probably in many other veterans' heads is "I did and saw some pretty shitty things and it was all for nothing". Sadly, these wars in the middle east are all for nothing. Had I fought in a justifiable war like WWII I'd at least be able to say to myself "I did and saw some pretty shitty things, but at least the world is a better place now". I'm sure I'd still feel regret and remorse for the war and what I did, but at least I'd be able to look at myself in a more positive light.

Sadly, I don't know what the military could do to reduce suicide rates. I think the ultimate onus for this falls on the American people. Stop sending the military to pointless wars and you'll see veteran suicide rates drop.

This post could turn into a long ramble, but suffice it to say I've had my own issues with persistent suicidal ideation.

[Recursion]

4. Welcome home, sir

PM me if you ever need to talk; I know several veterans' resources networks if you're having a hard time. It's only a stupid question if you don't ask it, as we used to say...

[Victor_c3]

5. Thanks for the offer

I probably should have included this in my previous post, but I do see a psychologist for weekly visits at the VA. I'm not sure how much help it'll do for me in the long run, but at least I'm doing something.

Thanks for the thought.

[Recursion]

6. Ah, OK

Still, welcome home

[Bandit]

7. "or even seem truly thankful for what you did"

What exactly did you do that I should feel truly thankful for? No Iraqi attacked the USA or even threatened to attack the USA yet our soldiers were over there killing women and children. And I am supposed to feel "truly thankful"

[Lost_Count]

8. How about just being civil....?

[Bandit]

9. Sorry I don't find anything about war "civil"

And the "volunteer" soldiers that participate in them that want my thanks. If America is in danger or has been attacked then I will back them 200% but for a war of choice I find nothing to be "truly thankful" about.

[Victor_c3]

10. I agree with much of what you are saying

However, I think you are overlooking the fact that many of the participants of the wars are also victims themselves. I joined in 1997 believing that I would help to make the world a better place. My thinking and beliefs at the time were a complete product of my upbringing. Sadly, my desire to make the world a better place was misused and taken advantage of when I was deployed to Iraq.

So does that mean I should be thanked? I don't know. I have a lot of mixed feelings myself and emotions regarding my military service. Sadly, the war was for nothing and resulted in nothing positive for either the majority of the American public or the Iraqi people.

I don't know if what I'm saying is making any sense...

[Jefferson23]

11. +100. well said..it makes more sense than some can appreciate. n/t

[Bandit]

12. I'm sorry if I came across as a complete ass

I do understand none of what I was complaining about is the fault of any individual soldier. You must go and do whatever and wherever you are told. I am indeed thankful for your service and desire to help our country in whatever way you can including giving of your life or limbs. I just hate war PERIOD. I spent my time in the Nam so my views are slanted. America accomplished absolutely nothing in either Vietnam or Iraq and I doubt anything will be accomplished in Afghanistan either. A lot of lives have destroyed for nothing.. NOTHING and for that I am most certainly not "thankful" I do apologize to you for my earlier comments though as they were not warranted and I just got out of bed on the wrong side this morning. I am a grouch and your wording apparently touched a nerve. Sorry

[Victor_c3]

13. Likewise I'm sorry for hitting a nerve

Reflecting on one's military service can be a hard and often a conflicted thing. I completely get what you have been saying though. No worries.