A local history preservation group is working to rehabilitate the battered First Zion Baptist Church, a historic Black church in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Still Counting Casualties Inside Appalachia: How Invisible Scars Lead To Veteran Suicide
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Suicide is a major problem for veterans all across the country. But the problem is even worse in rural areas, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). On this week’s episode, veterans in West Virginia share their stories about what it’s like to return home from war, and what veterans are doing to help and support each other.
The number of veterans who die by suicide is staggering. A 2012 study from the VA found that 22 veterans commit suicide every day, though a new study by the VA says the rate is probably closer to 20 per day.
For veterans, who have seen and done things we civilians can scarcely imagine, it can be difficult to find someone that understands their pain.
Some veterans say they’ve found some healing by helping their fellow veterans.
This episode features the voices of five of these veterans who were featured in a recent West Virginia Public Broadcasting documentary called Still Taking Casualties.
Damien Gavis, who accompanied special forces to rural towns to build relationships in Afghanistan.
Mark Combs, a veteran and the host of a recent documentary entitled “Still Taking Casualties.”
Christopher Morris, a Corporal who suffered a traumatic brain injury who came back, went to college, and lost his veteran roommate to suicide.
Sarah Leifeit, a veteran who served for twelve years and two tours, one if Iraq and one in Afghanistan, who was sexually assaulted.
Jeremy Harrison, a veteran who has tried to help his fellow brothers and sisters in arms by becoming a therapist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43TUi_AYFeY We’ll also remember the life of veteran Tyler Burroughs, a close friend of Mark Combs who helped put together the documentary Still Taking Casualties. Burroughs took his life this summer.
Moral Injury
And our host Jessica Lilly speaks with Pulitzer Prize Winning writer Eric Newhouse, author of Faces of Combat.
We’ll hear what the VA is doing to partner with non-profits in West Virginia to reach more veterans in rural areas.
Veterans in rural areas are more likely to commit suicide than veterans in urban areas.
It is possible that this problem is due to the lack of accessibility to help in rural areas. This episode also explains how modern technology and the internet is being used to create discussion, counsel and help when there previously was none. Suicide is the most tragic of all preventable deaths, and it something that we all can help prevent. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call the VA crisis hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting has a new app for veterans to share their story and connect with each other, called The War in My Words. Watch or listen to veteran stories. Discover what other West Virginia vets have experienced. You can sort by war, branch of service, unit or year.
Music in this episode was provided by Dylan McGonicle and Michael Hitchcock. Our producer is Roxy Todd. Our editors this week were Catherine Moore and Jesse Wright. Our audio mixer is Zander Aloi.
On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, on the efforts to rebuild the party and restore Democrats to state offices ahead of this primary election. Also, we hear about preservation efforts for a historic Black church in Harpers Ferry.
Homelessness is not just an issue for big cities like San Francisco or New York City. Across America, communities large and small are struggling to provide shelter to people without housing. In Charleston, West Virginia, government and community approaches to help the unhoused have created more debate on an issue that is already divisive. Earlier this year, this episode received a second place award from the Virginias AP Broadcasters for Best Podcast.
On this West Virginia Morning, a West Virginia circuit court removed two members of the Jefferson County Commission from office, but a last-minute party change has cast confusion over who will name her successor.
Also, the construction of a pipeline in western Pennsylvania and a rupture in the Mountain Valley Pipeline has left environmentalists asking questions.
On this West Virginia Morning, as chief legal officer for West Virginia’s citizens, state office holders, agencies and boards, the attorney general’s (AG) responsibilities cover the litigation gamut. The four candidates in the upcoming primary races for AG have diverse views on how those responsibilities should be handled – and prioritized. Randy Yohe has our second story on this race.