The latest update on Veteran Suicides is out - and it's worse than previous estimates.

It was shocking enough when an average of 18 US Veterans committed suicide each day. New, more accurate figures move that toll to 22. Which equals one US Vet death by suicide every 65 minutes.

Miss Oregon, Nichole Mead, has made supporting all veterans her platform for this year. Nichole's brother is a combat vet from the Iraq war and serves as her inspiration. We were proud to have her tour the Military Helpline  this fall and learn more about how our 24/7 line provides real help to our returning vets.

We applaud Nichole for using her "bully pulpit" to promote the success of those who have served us so well. Thank you!

President Obama has proclaimed November Military Family Month, noting that military family members "serve," too, and also require community support.

"I call on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our service members and our nation," the President said in his procla

(Editor's Note: Tim Hasty leaves today to go into active service as a Lieutenant in the US Army. He has been a tremendous help to us in setting up our Military Helpline while waiting for his deployment orders)

My time here at Oregon Partnership working in drug prevention has refined me; I knew I was ready when those bars were pinned to my shoulders. I knew I was ready when my peers started to look to me for leadership, guidance and advice. I knew I was ready when I had come to peace with life changing in drastic ways.

[caption id="attachment_625" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="OP President Judy Cushing, Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden, OP Special Events Director Barbara Caplan"][/caption]

How cool is this?

Taco Bell and The Portland Trailblazers teame

PTSD

“PTSD is a reaction by normal people, to an abnormal situation - and there is nothing normal about war. “

This is the phrase we on the Military HelpLine use over and over to help soldiers, family members and other veterans understand the emotions they may be experiencing. We know that family and community awareness can be a life giving safety net.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of PTSD is a major step forward in battling the stigma and the effects.

(Editor's note: Tim is one of our Military Helpline specialists and is scheduled for active duty as an Army Lieutenant this coming February)

“Why don’t you like to talk about the Army?” she asked.

“It’s not that I don’t like talking about the Army, it’s that I don’t like thinking about how it will pull us apart.”

This has become my reality.

Tears began to roll down her face as I spoke about my time here, and that it would come to an end, as all good things do.

The National Guard faces unique challenges in tackling reintegration issues - The Military Helpline is here to assist.

A 2nd Lieutenant gains insight to Veterans.

Veteran suicides, Confidential Helpline