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No social support                    Decreased work performance   Withdrawn / Outward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

All Members!

Taps