Men need help too. We live to serve a more significant cause than ourselves. I served on active duty in the US Navy for over 29 years. I also spent four years at a Merchant Marine Academy ROTC unit. In my 34 years in uniform, from the time I enlisted in 1988 through college, 16 years at sea, and my tours as Captain of a Ship, a Training Squadron, and the largest Naval base on the West Coast, I saw too many suicides. As Commanding Officer, I responded directly to suicide attempts and suicide ideations among my troops. Our men and women in Service struggle with the pressure of serving their country, difficult times in combat zones, and the stressors of deployments, family life, and sometimes financial insecurity. When I was in uniform, I did what I could to serve the men and women of the Navy. Having retired, I want to continue to operate and take care of those who take care of us, guaranteeing our freedom through the personal sacrifices demanded by a life of service in the military.
"Suicide rates among active-duty military members are at an all-time high since record-keeping began after 9/11 and have increased alarmingly steadily over the past five years. Some branches of the Armed Forces are experiencing the highest rate of suicides since before World War II." Danielle DeSimone, USO
Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Too many men are ‘toughing it out, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence. Movember aims to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by 2030, and I want to help them get there. Help me stop men from dying too young, and help me support our Servicemembers, first responders, and Veterans through the gift of your time and donations to sustain life through love.
Come with me, and let's Ride America for Unity Health and Life (RAUHL). On January 2022, I will be joined by an Army Veteran and a Retired Police Officer on a nearly 20,000-mile ride from the United States to Chile and Argentina, then back, where we will engage with our brothers and sisters across the American Continent to promote Unity, Health, and Life! Let's RAUHL!