Don't Believe all you hear/read via the media

With all the media and even the interview of Sgt. Russell's father, don't believe all you're hearing and reading. I'm here to say this...our Battalion was absolutely doing all they could to get him help. They were not trying to kick him out of the Army. He was planning on retiring, he'd bought a HOUSE in his hometown, just earlier this month! There were many who had been reaching out to him, talking to him, making sure he got referrals to the stress clinic. IMO and yes this is just my opinion the fault lies with the stress clinic. There are things that some of us know, but we can not share, but I truly believe the fault lies with mental health. They failed this soldier, his family, and most of all those who were tragically killed.

I have so much just overwhelming sadness. Sadness that this soldier was not helped like he was so desperately trying to get and what our battalion was trying to get for him. 54th Engineers did NOT fail him. I ache for his wife. We are prepared for a knock on the door telling us our soldier was injured or killed while out on a mission, but you NEVER prepare for something so unimaginable as your husband killing his brothers. You don't expect a man who so many say was "A really nice and great guy" to do something so horrifying. We don't prepare to worry about our soldiers, because of what another soldier might do, because those who are TRAINED to listen to him, those who are SUPPOSED to listen and be there for him, deny him treatment. I can't imagine how his wife must be feeling, but my heart just absolutely aches for her. I'm praying for her. Praying that she knows she has so much support and so many who geniunely care. That there are those of us who are thankful she's here and that the American Press can not get to her like they have his father and son. I'm praying for his parents and son. Again, never the knock on the door you expect, or prepare for.

I'm disgusted with the AP. As usual they go after those who they should be staying far, far away. They make me sick. It disgusts me that they are using such tragedy to go after our battalion, to go after the Army, etc. They are in it for only themselves. They don't care about who they hurt or how they hurt them, as long as they get their headline, their interview.

This is just a ripple effect of hurt and pain and loss. 4 soldiers and 1 in the navy are dead. One Soldier who's life is most likely over. Then there's the families. The wives, children, parents, siblings, etc. This has effected most definately our company and our battalion. (The difference in companies and battalions is this: There is the Battalion that as a whole has companies with in it. So there's HHC company, 541st Company, 370th Company, FSC company. Or old school: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, etc Each soldier belongs to a company, and all those companies belong to the battalion. I hope that makes sense. I'm sure there was a better and simpler way, but eh it's 2 AM.) There are so many effected and will be effected from here on out. Life is precious and Chad and I get that better than most. We don't take life for granted. Honestly it's just one more reason why we homeschool. Life goes by too quickly. Why would I want virtual strangers getting these moments with my children? I am blessed that GOD called us to this walk in life and wonder sometimes if he realizes what he's done, but most days I just praise him! We do not know what tomorrow holds for us, or even if there will be a tomorrow on this earth for us.

Please keep our battalion in your prayers, especially those who were trying to help Sgt. Russell. Most of all keep his wife and family in your prayers. The families of the deceased. And keep Sgt. Russell in your prayers. Our mental health has to take PTSD serious, as does our society. We don't want something like this happening again.