HUNTSVILLE, AL—
Our nation's troops face the potential of going into harm's way every day. What may be surprising to some, is that many of them appear to be hurting themselves and those who love them. Suicides among soldiers have spiked this year, according to new information in a CBS News report from the Pentagon. A retired soldier in Huntsville is trying to stop those numbers from growing.Watch the CBS News report here.
Operation Restored Warrior is the combined effort of four men. They're all retired from the military. Once a month, they do their mission to rescue, rebuild, and restore what was lost and stolen from the lives of many in the military. Operation Restored Warrior believes what's missing is what pushes so many of them to kill themselves.
June was the worst month ever for American combat deaths in Afghanistan. It was also the worst month ever for suicides in the Army.
A total of 32 soldiers, both active duty and reserve, took their own lives in those 30 days. So far this year, 145 soldiers have committed suicide compared with 130 during the first six months of last year, which at the time was the worst on record.
In an attempt to make the numbers drop, the Army released a suicide prevention video in which Specialist Joseph Saunders, distraught over the break up of his marriage, described how he tried to kill himself.
"I put the rifle up to my chin, put it on semi, and pulled the trigger," said Specialist Saunders.
But, the gun did not go off. He was saved by a buddy who spotted the warning signs.
"He said yes, I took your firing pin. I took it last night. You were worrying me," added Specialist Saunders.
Huntsville Resident Keith Poole is also worried.
"We train our soldiers for combat like no other nation," said Poole.
Poole is part of Operation Restored Warrior. Its mission is to rescue, rebuild, and restore.
"We get you out here, that's the rescue part. The rebuild part is hearing what God has in store for you, and the restoration is the part that comes from Christ," added Poole.
The 5 day/5 night assignment is open to all who serve in the military and veterans. The focus is dealing with post traumatic stress disorder, combat related stress, and more.
"Our belief is that it's from the spiritual wounds that take place over there. Since we don't prepare you for it, we don't acknowledge it when you get back, these guys have nothing to turn to," added Poole.
Operation Restored Warrior is a Christian-based program.
"You don't have to be a Christian to come to the ranch, but you sure are going to hear a lot about Christ when you get out there," added Poole.
Former soldiers like Keith Poole believe they can make a difference, and help heal their brothers and sisters on the inside as well.
