Dear Friends,
I had a dream: I was standing on a second-story balcony, overlooking some kind of an athletic field, similar to those seen in schools. There were quite a few people standing below, and I was calling down to them, telling them about Grieving Grandmothers’ mission, and the tragedy of military suicide. But they all turned their backs to me; no one was listening.
Over the past two months, I reached out by email, snail mail, and phone to fifteen members of the House Armed Services Committee, six members of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, several journalists who report on military and Pentagon topics, and Dr. Alicia Matteson, Acting Director — Defense Suicide Prevention Office. As in my dream, they all turned their backs to me. No one seems to be listening, and quarters three & four of the DoD’s quarterly suicide reports for 2025 are still missing.
It’s really hard sometimes to keep going, but what’s the alternative? And so, I ask you to continue reaching out to your senators and representatives, bringing this matter to their attention. We never know who may be the one who would not only listen, but would take the necessary steps to address our concern.
On a more positive note, Yoni, GGMS’s VP and Noah’s dad, and I had a very informative meeting with Dr. LaToya Chambers, a professor in the graduate program in clinical mental health & military and veterans counseling at the University of William & Mary. We were interested in learning:
- Who their students are — military? Civilians? A mix?
- Do graduates work mostly with veterans, or are they permitted to work with service members on military installations?
- How much of the program focuses on issues specific to military culture and its impact on mental health and self-harm behaviors?
- Does “the program” engage in advocacy work/encourage students to do so?
- Any additional information that will help inform our board’s actions regarding establishing a scholarship for a deserving student in the program.
The following is an abbreviated overview of the program:
- It’s a campus-based and online program, with 300–400 students working on a Master’s in mental health, with a focus on working with members of the military, veterans, and military family members.
- Students are a mix of civilians, retired military, military family members, and even service members on active duty.
- Courses on military culture are taught from a multicultural perspective. Students also learn about laws governing the military, and those that specifically pertain to soldiers’ mental health, such as The Brandon Act.
- Advocacy is an integral part of the track for counselors; students have an understanding that they are being trained to advocate for their clients.
- Dr. Chambers stresses that it can be overwhelming to try to change the entire system, so students are encouraged to focus on “the local” — advocate where they are.
- Students are required to complete internships and a practicum of at least 700 hours of hands-on work. They generally work in community-based mental health settings, where they engage with veterans and the general public.
- Students tend not to get internships at military-affiliated sites because of all the layers of regulation and red tape.
- Dr. Chambers points out that the many ideas built into military culture get in the way of seeking health and mental health services. In the Army, the main issue isn’t a lack of mental health services — it’s a lack of access and awareness, as well as the stigma associated with asking for help and the fear of retaliation.
- Students who plan to work with the military know that they are going into an imperfect system.
In the course of the summer, Yoni and I will share the merits of this unique program with our board. I will let you know of any developments in future updates.
I am sorry to report that there has been no progress regarding facility/therapy dogs, as I have not yet had the opportunity to address this directly with Dr. Alicia Matteson.
As always, I thank you for providing your contact information, expressing your interest in Grieving Grandmothers of Military Suicides’ work, and allowing me to keep you abreast of our efforts to spread awareness and engage in advocacy. I am deeply grateful to those of you who made donations, wrote to lawmakers, and shared the website with others. Your continued interest and financial support are crucial to our success.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH. BE KIND TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL AROUND YOU, THIS MONTH AND ALWAYS.
Please note: We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 100% of your tax-deductible donations go toward website hosting and maintenance, advocacy work, office supplies and equipment, printing services, and postage. We pay no rent or utilities (my office is in my home) and we neither get nor pay wages.