Death of Soldier in Baghdad Under Investigation

Army identifies soldier killed in noncombat incident in Baghdad 
STARS AND STRIPES 
By CHAD GARLAND 
Published: February 20, 2018 

The Pentagon has identified a soldier who died in a noncombat incident Monday in Iraq while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State campaign. 

In a statement Tuesday, the military said Sgt. Christina Marie Schoenecker, 26, of Arlington, Kan., died in Baghdad. The circumstances of her death are under investigation, which is standard for fatal events. 

Schoenecker was assigned to the 89th Sustainment Brigade, Wichita, Kan. 
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I don't want to just have the memory of you

Don't let them become just a memory

Combat PTSD Wounded Times

Kathie Costos

February 20, 2018

Most of the time there are conversations about regrets, when it is too late to change the ending. More times than not, it is a matter of not knowing what to say, so some say nothing. 

If they have PTSD, they may have the wrong idea, thinking they are weak. Remind them of all that they went through and survived. Let them know that you were changed too, even if it is just in a small way. 

The following is what too many have to say when they are left with just the memory of someone they cared about. It is what they wish they would have said.

If you have someone you are worried about, let them know you are still there for them in any way you can think of, because most of the time, they just don't know how to ask for help.

I don't want to just have the memory of you 

Kathie Costos ©

I don't want to just have the memory of you 

when this is one more battle we can still get through. 

Don't fight this one alone 

and just step away from the stone 

where your name does not need to be. 

I'd die for you, so please at least talk to me. 

I don't know if you realize

I can see the pain in your eyes.

You've been through worse than this, that is for sure

but when you think it piled up to more than you are able to endure

that's the time to lean on me 

until you're able to break free

I don't want to be left with just the memory of you

and blaming myself for not knowing what to do

to help you see how much you mean to me

and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.

We faced too much side by side

so why do you want to just hide

and end it the way you decide

instead of being able to confide

what you've been holding inside?

I don't want to be left with just the memory of you

and blaming myself for not knowing what to do

to help you see how much you mean to me

and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.

When you were by my side, we were unstopable

and we managed to do the impossible

so why fight the demons alone now 

when you don't have to?

Talk to me so I won't just have the memory of you!

Madison mother shares story of son’s suicide to raise awareness

There are stories that break your heart at the same time, they help heal it.

I was listening to the interview with the Mom of a young National Guardsman, who committed suicide. She was talking about something as tiny as deciding she didn't have time to listen when her son wanted to talk. Moments later, he killed himself.

I don't know if you are aware of how hard it is to live with something like that, and even harder to open up about it. This Mom is offering raising awareness that other families need to hear.

Madison mother shares story of son’s suicide to raise awareness
WHNT 19 News
BY CHELSEA BRENTZEL
FEBRUARY 18, 2018

MADISON, Ala. - Most mothers hold on to precious memories. Wendy Galloway often looks at the scrapbook she made for her son Aaron when he graduated high school.

Some of her favorite photos are Aaron's senior portraits, his military ball and the day he enlisted in the Army National Guard. It's the not so good memories that Galloway wishes she would have taken more seriously.

"I was stressed. It was a Sunday night and I was trying to get stuff done and get ready for work the next day," explained Galloway.

Aaron came home from drill practice on July 10, 2016 and wanted to talk to his mom.

"I just waited too long and then I heard a really loud boom. And when I opened the door I knew he was gone," said Galloway.

The 19-year-old had taken his own life.
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Busload of Vietnam veterans honored Army National Guard veteran James Wood

About 300 attend funeral for slain Winchester, Tenn., veteran
Times Free Press
Philip J Loenz III
February 19, 2018

WINCHESTER, Tenn. — No one would dispute that paying tribute to a deceased 50-year-old Winchester military veteran is a particularly sad event.

The body of U.S. Army National Guard veteran James Wood lies under the American flag Friday at his funeral service, where more than 300 people showed up after Wood's mother sent out a plea for people to attend because she was unable to do so.

(Photo courtesy Philip Lorenz/Winchester Herald Chronicle)

About 300 people attended the funeral for James Leon Wood on Friday at Winchester's Watson-North Funeral Home.

Most of those attending the service were military veterans from Franklin County and other counties in Middle and Southeast Tennessee, even a busload of Vietnam veterans from Chattanooga. Some of Wood's friends also attended his service.

Many of those who attended Friday's services were answering a call last week from Wood's mother, Bertha Allen, who lives in New Mexico and was unable to attend her son's funeral. Wood was the victim of a homicide committed some time over the last several months, and six people, including his wife and her two adult children, have now been charged in his death.

His body was found in January buried under a concrete slab in the backyard of his own home.

David Michael, who lives in Tullahoma, described Wood as "a good friend and fishing buddy," just before the funeral service got underway.

Michael said he feels sad at the loss of his friend, but "we are celebrating his life, he was a gentle soul."
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How S.C. first responders are trying to save their own

Firefighter suicides outnumber line-of-duty deaths. How S.C. first responders are trying to save their own.
The Post and Courier
Angie Jackson
February 18, 2018

Suicides such as Emily Avin’s were once overlooked by firefighters and paramedics eager to maintain an image of bravery and invincibility. But that’s changing as the profession acknowledges a deadly scourge that claims more lives than the perils firefighters face in the line of duty.

Emily Avin was supposed to come home that day in September.

Her parents had arranged it: Avin would move back into their country home in the small Florence County town of Pamplico, where she grew up playing softball and cheering for her high school football team as the mascot. It would be a break, for a month or so, from her job as a paramedic, a career the young woman loved but now found emotionally draining.

She worked one last 24-hour shift in Aiken. Afterward, instead of driving across the state, Avin called her mother upset.

Sue Ann Avin detected hopelessness in her daughter’s voice.

“Emily, you’re not thinking about doing anything to hurt yourself, are you?”

Later that morning, Emily Avin called 911 from her home in Aiken to report a suicide.

She then picked up a gun, walked outside and pulled the trigger before anyone could reach her. She was 26.
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