If you still want to talk about how many veterans you think are committing suicide day by day, consider the following.
§ In 2014, there were 41,425 suicides among U.S. adults. Among all U.S. adult deaths from suicide, 18%(7,403) were identified as Veterans of U.S. military service.
• Since 2001, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among U.S. civilian adults has increased by 23.0%.
• Since 2001, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among U.S. Veterans has increased by 32.2%.
§ In 2014, the rate of suicide among U.S. civilian adult males was 26.2 per 100,000.
• Since 2001, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among U.S. civilian adult males has increased by 0.3%.
• Since 2001, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among U.S. Veteran males has increased by 30.5%.
§ In 2014, the rate of suicide among U.S. civilian adult females was 7.2 per 100,000.
• Since 2001, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among U.S. civilian adult females has increased by 39.7%.
• Since 2001, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among U.S. Veteran females has increased by 85.2%.
And all the awareness groups have been doing a lot of talking but hardly any research. Including the fact that what they have been doing may have made them feel better about themselves, but did very little to get veterans to feel hope for their own lives.
If you want to change the outcome, better start with with facts that got us to where we already are.
Before the event in December 2015, he posted the photo of himself holding the assault rifle in his home. In the background is his Christmas tree, an American flag and his military medals and commendations.
Santa Claus says he was fired for holding a gun.
In this case, Santa is Calvin Congden of Tipton, Michigan, who likes to dress as the Jolly One for charity events.
But when he posted a photo of himself dressed as Santa and clutching a semiautomatic rifle to Facebook in 2015, he claims a supervisor at the state Department of Health and Human Services wasn’t happy. Congden had recently started working for the department as a child protective services worker.
He was let go by the agency at the end of his yearlong probation and blames the manager’s distaste for the armed Santa photo.
Congden filed a federal lawsuit against the agency Friday, saying it violated his rights to free speech and bear arms. The Army vet, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, also says the state discriminated against him because of his disability.
A Sevier County couple has filed a $1 million lawsuit against an Alcoa veterinary clinic over an armed robbery at the business last year.
Sevierville residents William and Anita Livingston are suing Midland Pet Emergency Center after the business was targeted in an armed robbery last October. The Livingstons, who were inside the clinic at the time, were also robbed at gunpoint, according to the complaint, filed Friday in Blount County Circuit Court.
The couple is now holding the veterinary clinic responsible for failing to prevent the robbery.
The couple state in the complaint that William Livingston, a 68-year-old Vietnam War veteran, began suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) right after the incident, leading him to believe he was having a heart attack.
The Livingstons state they arrived at the clinic, located at 235 S. Calderwood St., around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 28, 2016. They came seeking care for their pet Yorkie, which was having seizures, the complaint states.
An employee had to unlock the door to let them in. The complaint states the employee failed to lock the door behind them, allowing a masked intruder to enter a short while later.
That is the part that changed my mind about this story.
GROUPS: You have one more week to get your Veterans Day event info to me so that it can be shared with others!
· Veterans Day honors all persons who once were in the military - especially the living. Formerly known as Armistice Day after WWI – 11/11/11 – Eleventh day of the Eleventh month at the Eleventh hour.
· Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May - it was established in 1950 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Days. That is a day to pay tribute to men and women who ARE currently serve the United States’ armed forces.
· Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military; Observed on the last Monday in May.
Veterans’ Driver License Reinstatement – Fri. Oct 27 - Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, the Orange County Veterans Court, the Department of Revenue, and other state and local agencies, have joined forces to help veterans in Orange County learn how to reinstate their driver license that may have been suspended for a variety of reasons (homelessness, support arrears, etc.) At the Veterans Driver License Reinstatement Clinic, veterans can get a jump-start on breaking down one barrier to holding a job, obtaining housing, or seeking medical care - having a valid driver license. 8:30am – 4pm in the Jury Room at Orange County Courthouse, 425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, 32801. Pre-registration available at: veteransdlclinic.eventbrite .com CLSMF: 407-841-7777 or Veterans Court at 407-836-0578.
October 28, 1886 - The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor. The statue was a gift from the people of France commemorating the French-American alliance during the American Revolutionary War. Designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the entire structure stands 300 feet (92.9 meters) tall.
October 28, 1962 - The Cuban Missile Crisis ended.
6th Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Oct 28 – You are challenged to “Walk a Mile in their Boots.” Participants can choose from three different participation levels AND three different course lengths. You can walk for fun or compete as a Runner or Warrior. Warriors must carry at least 35 lbs. in a ruck sack or backpack. Then select a 5k, 10k or 12-mile course length so you can participate or compete at the level you want. First place finishers and top fundraisers receive great prizes. Families are welcome! Lake Nona will be the site and Registration is open; Sponsorship opportunities are available. See Camaraderie Foundation website for info and registration. (407) 841-0071.
Pre-Veterans’ Day Program - Sun. Oct 29 – Former US Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert A. McDonald, is the guest speaker at St. Luke’s Methodist –Windermere. Hosted by the church’s Veterans Cluster Group at 1 - 3pm in the Founder’s Hall, 4851 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, 32819. He will provide an inside look at issues facing our veterans and their families. There will be some time for questions. Free and open to the public. Refreshments. RSVP’s requested for planning to st.lukes .org/military 407-876-4991.
Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting – Wed. Nov 1 – The Osceola Flotilla 17-10 meets on the 1st Wed. of each month, 7pm, at American Legion Post 10, 205 Lakeview Dr., Kissimmee, 34741. Auxiliary members are volunteers who support the Coast Guard in all its non-military, and non-law-enforcement missions. Members help to provide maritime safety, security and stewardship; to secure the homeland, save lives and property; and to protect the environment. There are several Flotillas (groups) in Central Florida and membership in the Auxiliary is open to persons 17 years of age and older – some are much older – because the call to serve doesn’t leave easily! Info: Jim Nickles at jimnickles2@ gmail .com 407-390-9611 ** Recent CG Aux persons were able to assist local sheriff department and State Fish and Wildlife Dept. personnel with boat safety checks on the Lake Butler, Chain of Lakes. Way to go!
Golf Tournament at The Villages – Fri. Nov 3 – The proceeds of this tournament support sending veterans to Washington DC on Villages Honor Flight (VHF) to visit the war memorials. Eagle Ridge Golf Course at Del Webb Spruce Creek. Info: see VHF website or contact Bunny at bunnygowell@ gmail .com 207-286-6786 or John at leftygolf2338@ gmail.com 201-961-4121.
Daylight Savings Time ends – Sun. Nov 5 – Turn your clocks back one hour. Use that bonus time to do something nice for our veteran and service personnel!
Orange/Osceola County Veterans Treatment Court – Mon. Nov 6 – There will be an appreciation event in the Lake Nona site Auditorium at 2:30pm. Soldiers and civilians have different backgrounds. You can see the process for yourself and why it is important for the former warrior and our community. Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona, 4th flr, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.
Election Day – Tues. Nov 7 – Become educated and do your civic duty – VOTE! Our local elections tend to have a more direct impact on us.
Champions of Freedom Appreciation Luncheon – Tues. Nov 7 – Lohman Funeral Homes’ Community Outreach hosts this event at the Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange; 11:30am free catered lunch, guest speakers, and a memorabilia exhibit that provides an opportunity for guests to bring items from their service if they like, which makes for a great opportunity to share their pride and connect with others. Limited to the first 75 guests who register at 386-673-1100.
United States Marine Corps 242th birthday – November 10 - Thank a Marine, past or present, for your freedom!
Offices/Businesses Closed – Fri Nov 10 - In observance of Veteran’s Day, many government offices/businesses will be closed – including banks and post offices. Call ahead to verify.
Congressional Breakfast – Fri. Nov 10 – Join FAVOB (Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses) with others and let your voice be heard. Speak with our local Congressional representatives in a Town Hall style breakfast gathering to discuss Veteran Owned Small Business Initiatives. The event includes a sit-down plated breakfast at the exquisite Citrus Club in Downtown Orlando Fl. Parking in the Citrus Club garage will be validated. Representatives attending: Val Demings of District 10, Stephanie Murphy of District 7, and Darren Soto of District 9. 7:30am – 10am at The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., #1800, Orlando, 32801. $25 for FAVOB Members and $30 for Non-FAVOB members. www. favob.net/events Buy tickets online at eventbrite.
“SOS Breakfast” –Fri. Nov 10 – Honoring 242nd Birthday of Marine Corps. All area Marines, past and present, and friends are invited. Sponsored by the Central Florida Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association. Proceeds will fund the chapter’s continued community events and the 1st Marine Division scholarship fund. Guest speaker is USMC BGen. Thomas V. Draude (ret.) Vietnam veteran with 2 tours in Vietnam, commands held in 7th Marines, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, ADC. Served in Operation Desert Storm, awarded 2 Distinguished Service Medals, 2 Silver Stars, Bronze Star & Purple Heart. Outstanding speaker & warrior! “SOS Breakfast” is fondly named after the breakfasts served in military mess halls! $30 per person, reservations required. 8:30am at Holy Trinity Reception Center - 1217 Trinity Woods Lane, Maitland, 32751 - Off Wymore Rd @ I-4 Overpass (No Exit) Seating is limited and reservations must be received no later than Nov. 6. Info and reservations: Mike Galyean koolade @embarqmail .com 321-276-7515.
“Vets and Pets” Book signing – Fri. Nov 10 – Villagers for Veterans hosts a book signing of “Vets and Pets, Wounded Warriors and the Animals That Help them Heal” by Dava Guerin and Kevin Ferris. 1 – 4pm at The Villages Barnes & Noble, 1055 Old Camp Road, The Villages, 32162. Following the book signing, there is a Meet and Greet, 5pm at the Waterfront Inn with cash bar and finger foods.
10th International Conference on World War II - Nov 16-18 - Taking place in New Orleans, the guest speaker at the closing presentation will be Hershel "Woody" Williams. There were 472 Medals of Honor awarded for actions performed during World War II. Of those recipients, only four are still with us today. Woody is the last surviving MOH Marine from Iwo Jima and has visited the Central Florida area several times. National WW2 Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. 504-528-1944 www. ww2conference .com.
Send me your Veterans Day and November events ASAP! I’m HOPING to compile the next list within the next week…….