I wish I could say I know nothing about handling adversity, but the truth is I know it all too well – and I suspect that many (if not most of you) can strongly relate.
In 2012 I survived an IED blast, where one of my brothers was KIA and my other brother lost a hand as a result of the blast.
Early this year, my brother Nick (the one who at previously lost a hand in the IED blast) and I were in a helicopter crash, where he broke his back and I endured several new injuries that, once again, required me to fight for my ability to walk. This is the 2nd time I’ve had to fight to walk upright after incurring severe, crippling injuries.
In my own experience after surviving TWO suicide attempts, I feel that the Lord allowed difficult things in my path as a test to see if I was going fold or if I was going to grow stronger in Him. I can honestly say I’ve grown stronger in Him and have no problem sharing His message and helping others that are interested in my journey.
In 2012 I tried to kill myself twice: first with prescription drugs, and yet once more with my handgun. Praise the Lord I was unsuccessful on both of times! But that didn’t stop me from over medicating myself into 2013. After that, I stopped taking pain pills altogether.
My story is not much different from that of my brothers and sisters who had to face adversity, who looked death square in the eye or spend many nights in fierce battle with demons that scream lies at them…urging them to pull the trigger, take another swig or put the pedal through the floorboard.
I am honored to be the National Director for BattleForged Nation Quick Reaction Force (QRF). We are a suicide prevention organization run by seasoned combat veterans, who want to stop our brothers and sisters from killing themselves.
We need your help. You and your battle buddies have valuable experience that can help stop Veteran suicide. Please invite your military friends to “like” our page. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, if are struggling with suicidal thoughts, PLEASE reach out to us – will will come alongside you every step of the way. We here at BFN firmly believe there’s no shame in asking for help, there’s no shame in having pain, and we are here because we understand what all of those feel like! We were a family down range – and we’re a family now.
HOW TO CONNECT WITH US:
www.battleforgenation.org
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Let’s work together to end veteran suicide today!
John M. Hosea
SSG, Retired
BattleForged Nation QRF Director
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