By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Suicide is often a taboo subject in American society, but the word suicide hits close to home for Robert Seibert. The Clay County man recently shared a personal story, which he said, “Was quite the eye opener.”
“My son was deployed to Afghanistan. We went to see him off and were there when he returned,” he explained. “I was in the military when Desert Storm began, but I was never deployed to an area of action. This was not the case for my son. He came home changed in many ways.”
As with many combat veterans, Seibert’s son would not discuss it. “After some months, he called and told us he had just gotten out of the hospital,” Seibert continued. “Shocked, we asked why. He said, ‘my roommates found me with my gun to my head.’”
According to the CDC, death by suicide was the second leading cause of death in 2021 for people from 10 to 14 or from 20 to 34 years old. That year alone, 48,183 Americans died by suicide, which is about one death every 11 minutes or approximately 132 deaths daily. In addition, there is one attempt at death by suicide in the United States every 26.2 seconds, which accounts for approximately 1,204,575 annual attempts in the United States alone.
For American veterans, the scene is also bleak. Information from the Veterans’ Administration shows suicide rates are alarming. Even though the veteran population decreased by 24.6 percent from 25.7 million to 19.4 million between 2001 and 2020, the suicide rate for veterans was 57.3 percent higher than that of non-veteran adults.
“It comes as no shock to me to hear that 22 veterans a day commit suicide and half of them are women,” Seibert said. “Since my son was young, he carried on about how he was getting old and falling apart. When he started telling me things wrong with him, I didn’t really pay attention. Now, he is medically retired. He came home for Christmas and things he had told me were more evident. The trouble with the knees could be seen and there was the hearing aid. Soldiers are supposed to wear hearing protection when riding in helicopters, but medics have to be able to communicate, so he didn’t and his hearing paid the price. While he didn’t pay the ultimate price for our freedom, I feel honored to call him my son. I am humbled by his protecting my freedom.”
Seibert added, “All of our veterans need support in a variety of areas from a wide range of people. As a nation, we need to continue to support each of these men and women. It is sad when a town only has a handful of people show up for Memorial Day, MIA day and Veteran’s Day.”
Seibert offered other suggestions.
• Thank a veteran every chance you get.
• Show your support by attending patriotic events.
• If you’re a veteran, join other veterans in groups like the American Legion.
• We need to pressure Congress to ensure they are cared for.
• Participate in awareness events like the one on April 29th.
“So, what about my son?” Seibert asked. “He was blessed to be able to get mental help and is doing well. I’m not ashamed of his actions. I don’t love him any less. Scars, especially mental or emotional scars, take a long time to heal and some never heal at all. When you lay your head down tonight in the freedom of your own home in the land of the free, take a moment to say a little prayer for the men and women who have provided your freedom and have paid a price to do so.”
He shared another personal account. “If only it was the end of my story,” he said. “This was not the only realization of what others are going through. My son and I were visiting his brother, also a veteran, this Christmas. We dropped off gifts and gave quick hugs because his wife and children were sick. As we drove home and were about an hour and half from the second son’s home, his wife called. They had a fight, he left and sent a text that he was going to kill himself. I immediately turned around.”
The police were notified but the young man had not been seen. “He said he was going to his grandparents’ farm, where his veteran brother was buried,” Seibert continued. “By the time I returned to town he still was not found. Led by God, I checked the boat ramp a mile
from the farm. I found him — drunk, but alive. The plan was to drive into the creek and drown. I found out he had tried the night before, but the gun wasn’t loaded.”
Seibert ended, “We must be vigilant to help our fellow veterans. Don’t be afraid to seek help, it is available.”
Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Veterans may press “1” to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.
How to get involved
Local residents are asked to "Come Carry an American Flag" for suicide awareness for veterans, as well as all people. Hosted by American Legion Post 532, the 2.2 mile walk starts in front of the rec gym by the ballfields at Clay County Veterans' Park at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Everyone is welcome and all will carry American flags. Music and food will be available following the walk. For details, call Michelle Stegner at (828) 361-1156.
If you or someone you know if considering suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Veterans may press “1” to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.