#VAHearOurVoice By Theresa Weems

My son, SPC Ellis T. Weems, ended his life on 15 July 2016, while stationed in E Troop 2/2 Cav in Vilseck, West Germany. I knew he went through a series of long field maneuvers both in Germany and in Estonia. I only seen my son home once...in July 2015. In my opinion as a US Army Veteran, the military doesn't focus on the mental state of the soldier anymore-it's all about "the needs of the government". Soldiers cannot function without proper "mental recharge". To have them out in the field for long periods of time, then only allow them to come home for Rest and Relaxation twice a year is uncalled for. This is just one of the reasons Active Duty soldiers are taking their own lives. The "physiological games" being played by Non-Commissioned Officers must come to an end. I cannot bring my son back, but I can speak for those soldiers that cannot speak for themselves for fear of punishment or being "black-balled".

---

Want To Get Involved, Create Change or Have Your Story Heard? Click HERE