It’s time for another double feature day here at AWTR!

First, only once during the more than 20-year Global War on Terror has an American service member been pulled from active duty due to the deaths of two family members in war. Meet Beau Wise, Sole Survivor. Beau explains that the uncertainty of everything was difficult because there’s no playbook for a Sole Survivor. Originally, he didn’t even think he could stay in the Marine Corps.

Beau’s advice for anyone going through a difficult time is to find an outlet. He found journaling and that helped bring up past memories that he had forgotten about. Beau recommends that spouses and families of veterans try to get their loved ones to talk, whether it is to you or another veteran. One of Beau’s good friends, Kevin, has a saying: “Seek help, receive help, get help.”

The Wise brothers’ story of service began shortly after 9/11. Each brother volunteered to serve their nation. In his book, Beau not only pays tribute to his fallen brothers, Jeremy and Ben, delving into his family’s long history of patriotism, but also pays honor to the many who have sacrificed so much during our post 9/11 wars.

Sgt. Beau Wise served on active duty in the Marine Corps from 2008-2016 with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. As a recipient of the Department of Defense’s “Sole Survivor” designation, Wise writes a stirring and intimate portrait of combat and the strength of family under the most trying of situations. No military family has sacrificed more during the lengthy Global War on Terror than the Wise family. This is an incredible memoir of family, service, and dedication to the freedom of the United States.

If you would like to order the book, Three Wise Men, you can find it here. Or, if you would like to learn more about the Wise family’s story, connect with them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

And a big thank you to our sponsor of this episode, LivingWorks!

LivingWorks, a world leader in suicide prevention training, envisions a world free from suicide loss. This episode features a special interview with veterans Rick Trimp and Sharon Sutton, talking about normalizing the conversation around suicide and how military spouses and families can protect those who protect us.

Rick Trimp

The statistics surrounding suicide are frightening, but we can’t allow that to stop us from having the conversation. We fear not knowing what to do next, but we should be okay with questions like, “Are you considering suicide?” Some signs to look out for are changes in behavior or emotions, distancing from family and friends, voicing that they don’t know where they belong, among other things. However, sometimes the signs aren’t as obvious.

Sharon Sutton

If you see those signs, you should start the conversation. One thing you can say to your service member is, “I know you have experienced some things  you probably don’t want to share with me, and I can understand and accept that. However, I would like you to talk to me about what you can share with me, because I want to know how I can help you.” It’s important for someone having suicidal ideations to make connections in the community. And family members need to make sure that they have connections as well.

Some important phone numbers are:

• National Suicide Prevention Life Line: 1-800-273-TALK
• Veterans crisis line: 1-800-273-8255; then press 1
• LivingWorks: 1-888-733-5484.

If you would like to learn more about LivingWorks, you can find them here; or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode! If you liked this podcast, don’t forget to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts. Then, send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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