The number of suicides in the U.S. military rose in 2023, continuing a trend the Pentagon has struggled to reverse despite efforts to increase mental health resources and gun safety measures. While the rise was not statistically significant, it represents a setback after a slight decline in 2022. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has declared suicide prevention a priority, but many initiatives are still in development, and the department has not implemented key gun safety recommendations from an independent commission. Despite these challenges, the Department of Defense is working to enhance suicide prevention programs and address the stigma surrounding mental health support within the military.
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Spc. Wooster Rancy from the 5th Engineer Battalion has been charged with murder and obstructing justice over the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque. Roque’s body was found in a dumpster on the base at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. She had been reported missing when she failed to report for formation on the morning of October 21. No information on the relationship, if any, between Rancy and Roque has been released. Rancy is currently in pretrial confinement.
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As a 19-year-old cadet found dead in the dorm at the US Air Force Academy, the tragic loss of Avery Koonce has impacted not only her family and friends but also the military community at large. With the cause of her death under investigation, it raises concerns about the environment and circumstances surrounding her passing.
The dynamics and internal workings of the academy have come into question, with the focus on the cadet-run structure that lacks proper supervision and guidance. The anecdotes shared about the lack of leadership experience among cadets and the inadequate staffing ratios paint a concerning picture of the Academy’s culture.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker