

Chaplain Corner - May 2020
May 1, 2020
From the Chaplain’s Pen.........................................................................Chaplain Al Lowe
It is hard to figure out what is going to happen, when it is going to happen, and under what conditions. A couple of VFW events have been moved, and more than a couple have been moved more than a couple of time. Kind of confusing!
I have said this in public, and with individual units and Posts, the secret killer out there is the suicide. I have no idea of the number of suicides the VFW has recently experienced – but I figure it is several. And again, what I am urging all who read this note, contact your Comrades. Give them a call, or even a note. Right now, is not the best time to make a visit and I do not recommend a visit. But I do say contact. Here is some suicide awareness material:
SUICIDE AWARENESS
Factors: Symptoms: Warning Signs
Depression Appetite Change Obsession with death
Alcohol, substance abuse Feeling helplessness Plans of killing self
Previous attempts Crying Access to means
No social support Decreased work performance Withdrawn / Outward
Divorce, separation Decreased motivation Passive / Aggressive
Personal failure Sleeping pattern change Pending proceedings
DO: DO NOT
Take seriously Leave individual alone
Ask questions Moralize or judge
Listen carefully Agree to a secret
Watch for physical indicators Act shocked
Check for means Dare
Check for support systems Shame or humiliate
GET HELP!
REMEMBER:
The suicide rate among veterans vastly exceeds that of active-duty troops. According to estimates last year by the US Department of Veterans’ Affairs, a US military veteran commits suicide every 80 minutes – 18 veterans a day.
Blessings,
Chaplain
District 14
Department of Texas
Al Lowe
Al Lowe
Bible Verse Of The Month
Job Chapter 38, Verse 36
"Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?
or who hath given understanding to the heart?"
Prayer List
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