Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The Polack MSgt

(13,425 posts)
Tue Apr 6, 2021, 06:40 PM Apr 2021

I just heard that a friend of mine, an Airman I deployed to Afghanistan with back in 02

Swallowed a bullet last night.

He's the 3rd friend of mine from that Squadron to commit suicide.

Fuck, this shit is tearing a hole in me.

Sleep quietly Wes. Be pain free...

I wish you'd have fucking called me, but I am dying inside wishing I had called you...

37 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I just heard that a friend of mine, an Airman I deployed to Afghanistan with back in 02 (Original Post) The Polack MSgt Apr 2021 OP
... alwaysinasnit Apr 2021 #1
This is very saddening... am wondering if the pandemic only made things worse for him.. secondwind Apr 2021 #2
... Docreed2003 Apr 2021 #3
((TPM)) blm Apr 2021 #4
I'm so sorry. Scrivener7 Apr 2021 #5
I had a battle buddy kill himself right out of basic training ColinC Apr 2021 #6
Sorry for your loss. Suicide is a terrible thing. CentralMass Apr 2021 #7
So very sad; my condolences to you and his family. nt babylonsister Apr 2021 #8
I am so sorry for you and all those who loved Wes, and for the pain Tanuki Apr 2021 #9
I am so sorry, Sarge. Diamond_Dog Apr 2021 #10
. AwakeAtLast Apr 2021 #11
Hang in there MSgt. NoMoreRepugs Apr 2021 #12
May he be at peace. I am so very sorry for your loss. niyad Apr 2021 #13
... MiHale Apr 2021 #14
So sorry for your loss... NHvet Apr 2021 #15
I am truly sorry markie Apr 2021 #16
I am sorry for your loss. nt Gore1FL Apr 2021 #17
I lost a close relative the same way. wnylib Apr 2021 #18
Oh jeez!... I'm so so sorry man. sdfernando Apr 2021 #19
I'm so sorry MSgt. TomSlick Apr 2021 #20
I'm so sorry. Ilsa Apr 2021 #21
🕯️ irisblue Apr 2021 #22
Given the effects of warfare, I'd have a really difficult time sending people to a war zone. Re: Karadeniz Apr 2021 #23
Thinking of you and many Wes Rest In Peace. MLAA Apr 2021 #24
So sad, sorry for your loss of your friend. FuzzyRabbit Apr 2021 #25
I'm so sorry. BobTheSubgenius Apr 2021 #26
Jeezus, man Mr. Scorpio Apr 2021 #27
Sorry for your loss... IrishAfricanAmerican Apr 2021 #28
Before we ask our citizens in uniform to put their lives on the line ... Martin Eden Apr 2021 #29
I can't remember who said this, but I find it to be a great perspective. BobTheSubgenius Apr 2021 #33
Especially not ... Martin Eden Apr 2021 #35
Yeah, it does tug the exceptionalism downward a tad, doesn't it? BobTheSubgenius Apr 2021 #36
I am so sorry UpInArms Apr 2021 #30
I'm sorry Top. DashOneBravo Apr 2021 #31
Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts, sorry for the radio silence up to now The Polack MSgt Apr 2021 #32
I am so sorry. Please know you didn't cause this. Maraya1969 Apr 2021 #34
So sorry for your loss, MarineCombatEngineer Apr 2021 #37

secondwind

(16,903 posts)
2. This is very saddening... am wondering if the pandemic only made things worse for him..
Tue Apr 6, 2021, 06:43 PM
Apr 2021

May he Rest In Peace.....

Docreed2003

(17,802 posts)
3. ...
Tue Apr 6, 2021, 06:46 PM
Apr 2021

Damn. I'm truly sorry for your loss, bro. We're here for you if there's anything at all we can do to help.

NHvet

(255 posts)
15. So sorry for your loss...
Tue Apr 6, 2021, 08:08 PM
Apr 2021

Those of us that have lost someone like this know there are no words, nothing that can fill the loss....

wnylib

(24,375 posts)
18. I lost a close relative the same way.
Tue Apr 6, 2021, 08:20 PM
Apr 2021

I blamed myself for not calling, for not doing more. Sometimes it is just beyond our control. I spoke with a counselor who said that friends and relatives often feel responsible. There are support groups for the friends and relatives of suicides. They might not be meeting in person these days, but you can probably find a group online. It helps to share your loss with people who have been through it.

So sorry that you have lost him and others. Wishing you consolation and help with coping and healing.

Karadeniz

(23,416 posts)
23. Given the effects of warfare, I'd have a really difficult time sending people to a war zone. Re:
Tue Apr 6, 2021, 09:31 PM
Apr 2021

Your friend's suicide, hindsight is perfect. After all these years, who would have suspected that he was on the brink. Please don't be so hard on yourself.

Martin Eden

(13,458 posts)
29. Before we ask our citizens in uniform to put their lives on the line ...
Wed Apr 7, 2021, 08:02 AM
Apr 2021

... it is the sacred duty of our government and the voting public to make damn sure the military action is justified, clearly defined, and fully supported with a plan to succeed.

We may have been justified in going after al Qaeda in Afghanistan but a two decade occupation with no chance of ensuring a stable democracy is a waste of blood & treasure, and the rationale for invading Iraq was built on a foundation of lies.

GW Bush and his cohorts have lives of privilege and luxury while those who carried out their mendacious agenda came back wounded in body and mind, or not at all.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,789 posts)
33. I can't remember who said this, but I find it to be a great perspective.
Wed Apr 7, 2021, 02:14 PM
Apr 2021

Any country that doesn't take care of its veterans has no business making more of them.

The Polack MSgt

(13,425 posts)
32. Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts, sorry for the radio silence up to now
Wed Apr 7, 2021, 02:06 PM
Apr 2021

I had to stay away from this thread while I was teleworking - can't risk weeping in Zoom meetings.

This hit me... I'm gonna need time to process it.

Call your squad mates, shipmates, battle buddies - call your friends people.

I hadn't spoke to Wes in 2 years and it's killing me

MarineCombatEngineer

(14,322 posts)
37. So sorry for your loss,
Thu Apr 29, 2021, 05:17 PM
Apr 2021

I know how you feel, I've lost a few buddies I served with in Vietnam to suicide.

RIP Wes.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»I just heard that a frien...