Fort Hood soldier shares struggle with suicidal thoughts

Sensing session: Fort Hood soldier shares struggle with suicidal thoughts
Fort Hood Public Affairs Office
Courtesy Story
By Heather Graham-Ashley
III Corps and Fort Hood Public Affairs

Courtesy Photo
Spc. Robert Kearney, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at Fort Hood, Texas, holds the Buddy Card issued to all Wrangler Brigade troops. The card reminds soldiers to watch out for each other and be a buddy to their comrades. Kearney has already taken advantage of help offered at Fort Hood.
(Photo by Heather Graham-Ashley)

FORT HOOD, Texas -- During a sensing session here with III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., Spc. Robert Kearney stood up and asked a question.

"I wanted to know why it was just senior enlisted and senior leaders talking [about seeking help]," Kearney said. "Why aren't E-4s and below talking?"

The general was meeting with leaders and soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Brigade Monday, following the brigade's loss of three soldiers in less than a week. Campbell wanted to dialogue with soldiers and get their feedback about how to help. When Kearney posed his question, Campbell asked him if he would talk about his story.

Kearney talked.

"I was depressed," Kearney said.

The wheeled mechanic was struggling with a divorce and estranged from his children when he reported for a doctor's appointment last summer.

"It was just a regular doctor's appointment," Kearney said.

On the questionnaire that all patients complete before each visit, Kearney came to the question that asked if the patient thought about hurting him or herself.

Kearney marked "yes."
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