Recently a rash of suicides and combat stress-related violence has rocked Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). Eleven possible suicides alone have occurred this year; and of the 50 suicides committed in the past 9 years, roughly 10% have taken place since July 2011. Despite the shocking frequency with which violence and suicides have occurred, politicians and military leaders appear content with only throwing money at the problem, piling taxpayer dollars into a growing number of ineffective programs, expensive barracks facilities, and even smartphone applications. According to JBLM spokesperson Lt. Col. Dangerfield there are 23 different mental health programs offered at the base; yet clearly something isn’t working. Clearly something has to change.
Coffee Strong, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and local community members are fed up—and we’re doing something about it. We’re not going to wait for politicians and military leaders to act while our brothers and sisters in uniform fall through the cracks. We’re demanding something be done.
Join us Saturday afternoon for a panel discussion titled “Base on the Brink” as we kickoff Operation Recovery: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a locally focused, community-powered campaign to demand change. At the event we’ll hold an in-depth discussion on recent events at JBLM and present community members with concrete ways in which they can get involved in the campaign.
These are our demands:
*That a congressional investigation be conducted to uncover the root causes of the suicide and combat stress epidemic at Joint Base Lewis McChord.
*That Letters of Condolence be written to the families of all service members who commit suicide following deployment.
*That letters of apology be written to the families of service members who commit suicide following deployment.
*That all service members who commit suicide are given a memorial service.
*That the military uphold service members’ right to heal, and end the practice of deploying troops with military sexual trauma, post traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury.
Event Information:
What: “Base on the Brink” Speak Out Event
When: September 24th, 3pm
Where: Coffee Strong
15109 Union Ave SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
Take Exit 122 off I-5, turn right at flashing red lights, we’re next to Subway.
If you can’t attend the event get involved by making calls to Senator Patty Murray (202.224.2621/253.572.3636) and Representative Adam Smith (202.225.8901/253.593.6600).
