Blog Archives

Winner Winner VOD & Chili Dinner!

1/29/2018

Our thanks to all of the Alma High School students who participated in this year's VFW Voice of Democracy Speech Contest. All of the young men & women who participated did a wonderful job writing & delivering thoughtful speeches on this year's VOD topic "American History: Our Hope For The Future." A volunteer panel of Post & Auxiliary Members selected their favorites and we are please to report that two of our Post's submissions won 1st & 4th place for District 9 and moved on to the State finals. Congratulations to Karen Nguyen our 1st place winner and Sara Gadde our 4th place winner. Great job! Our Post will now hold the 1st place trophy until next year. Stop by the Post and check it out!

Post Commander Vic Simon accepts VOD 1st Place Trophy for District 9

We had a great turn out for our Chili Cook Off held on Sunday, January 21st. 15 chili recipes were entered into the competition and many turned out to sample and judge. We hope to make this an annual event so please plan to compete & attend next year!

Congratulations (& Bragging Rights) To:
1st Place - Randy Apple
2nd Place - Gail Alexander
3rd Place - Diane Pieper

Thank you for supporting your local Veterans!

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Call to Action - Military Suicide Prevention

1/9/2018

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“CALL TO ACTION” FOR MILITARY SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVOCATES
4 STEPS TO ASSESSING SUICIDE RISK AMONG VETERANS

LOOK for the warning signs. These warning signs require immediate attention & referral.

Threatening to hurt or kill self
Looking for ways to kill self
Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means
Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide

Additional Warning Signs - Any of these signs, refer for mental health treatment.

Hopelessness
Rage, anger, seeking revenge
Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
Feeling trapped—like there’s no way out
Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
Dramatic changes in mood
Perceiving no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life

ASSESS for risk and protective factors that may increase or decrease risk for suicide.

Current ideation, intent, plan,
Previous suicide attempts
Alcohol/substance abuse
Previous history of psychiatric diagnosis
Impulsiveness and poor self-control
Hopelessness--presence, duration, severity
Recent losses--physical, financial, personal
Recent discharge from an impatient unit
Family history of suicide
History of abuse--physical, sexual or emotional
Co-morbid health problems, newly diagnosed or worsening symptoms

ASK the questions (these are very serious questions)

Are you feeling hopeless about the present/future? If yes, ask....
Have you had thoughts about taking your life? If yes, ask....
When did you have these thoughts, and do you have a plan to take your life?
Have you ever had a suicide attempt?

RESPONDING to suicide risk

Refer them to mental treatment
Inform and involve someone close to this person
Limit access to means of suicide
Increase contact and make a commitment to help the person through the crisis

FACTORS THAT MAY DECREASE RISK

Positive social support Spirituality
Sense of responsibility to family
Children in the home, pregnancy
Life satisfaction
Reality testing ability
Positive coping skills
Positive problem-solving skills
Positive therapeutic relationships

This information is provided by the Suicide Risk Assessment Guide from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guide.

Remember - Only trained medical professionals can diagnose a Veteran but we as individuals must be aware that Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder is real and it is a hidden factor that effects many.

Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 press 1
or Online Chat at: www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

The number listed above is a direct line to the Veteran Crisis Line who can assist the Veteran to the nearest VA Hospital.