Kentucky National Guard Getting Something Right on Suicide Prevention

This is part of the problem. "Resilience training" is something that has been "taught" or pushed on them since 2009. When we think about that fact that this was supposed to prevent them from committing suicide, yet they went up afterwards, it does not work!

Kentucky National Guard Suicide Prevention Awareness Public Service Announcement 
Kentucky Guard


The fact remains that suicides among younger veterans is now triple their peer rate after all these years of prevention training.

Sgt Maggie Eveland "behind the scenes" Interview, talks about seeking help after trying to end her own life. She found something that worked and is part of what the National Guard is doing right. She is amazing and what she said is a powerful message for anyone needing help.



Published on Apr 28, 2015
On an average day 22 military veterans take their own life. Of those, 69% are 50 years old or older.

With these sobering statistics in mind, the Kentucky National Guard presents a public service announcement designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

The 30-second in-house production features Maj. Bobbie Mayes, Sgt. Maggie Eveland and Eveland's horse, Khaleesi. The video also has messages of support and contact information for military personnel and veterans in need.

This accompanying "behind the scenes" video features Sgt. Eveland discussing the challenges of life, the value of suicide awareness training and how Khaleesi helped inspire her through a period of crisis.

If you need help or know someone who does, call 1-800-273-TALK to discuss veteran suicide.

For more information on suicide awareness contact:

Capt. David W. Shelley, email: david.w.shelley.mil@mail.mil
Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Program Manager
502-607-1941