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- This year America's Armed Forces,

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along with the rest of the nation,

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observe suicide prevention month

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to raise awareness about the
significant health crisis.

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Suicide affects all Americans.

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It's the 10th leading cause
of death in the United States.

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National data shows that suicide

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is on the rise in young
adults ages 18 to 25.

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And every loss to suicide
is a horrible human tragedy.

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Whether it's our teammate, a
family member, or a friend,

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whether you serve in the
active or Reserve components,

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have recently transitioned
out of the military,

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or you are a family member

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of someone who serves for our country,

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we are all strong and resilient,
but we are not immune.

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We are not immune from life's challenges.

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Across the military, at
all levels of leadership,

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our commitment to each
other is unwavering,

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and it takes all of us to prevent suicide.

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This year, the COVID-19 pandemic

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has forced us to physically
distance and even isolate,

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but we can still make social connections.

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We need to come together
to connect, to protect.

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This means checking in with your people,

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leaning on each other for support,

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and staying connected
with your family members.

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Behind me you see a wall of art

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made by veterans of
another way to connect.

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Through writing and imagery,

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they have created pieces
that tell their stories

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and serve as vehicles
of creative expression

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in order to heal and
express their feelings

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with their family and loved ones.

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There are many great resources

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that provide confidential support 24/7.

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Connect with our chaplain corps,

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a great resource that has

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a long tradition of expertise and care.

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Military OneSource is another service

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and is available for any service member,

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veteran, and their families.

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Whether it's challenges
in your relationships,

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parenting, family life,
financial, or legal matters,

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there's free and confidential support

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always available 24/7.

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If you or someone you know are in crisis

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and find life's challenges
to be overwhelming,

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know that you are not alone in this.

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Service members have recovered

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from these challenges and so can you.

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Reach out now for support.

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Contact the military
and veterans crisis line

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at 1-800-273-8255.

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Let me say that again,

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1-800-273-8255 or text at 838255, 838255,

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or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

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Caring and trained responders,

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many of whom are veterans
themselves, can and will help you.

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Take care of each other.

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You are our nation's
most valuable resource

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and each and every one of you

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represents all that is good about America.