One of the most heartbreaking issues we have with our military right now is the number of suicides among veterans and active members.
Sadly, there is one more to add to the list.
Cmdr. Jonathan Volkle, the executive officer of the littoral combat ship USS Marinette, reportedly took his own life.
Heartbreaking Loss
Volkle enlisted in the Navy in 2007, then attended officer candidate school and was commissioned.
He has had an impressive career, serving on the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman, and guided-missile destroyers USS John McCain and USS Fitzgerald.
He was also the commander of the USS Patriot. His surface tours consisted of the Naval Surface Force Pacific, Japan-based Destroyer Squadron 15, and Littoral Combat Squadron 2.
The USS Marinette had only recently been commissioned, and the ship was docked in Cleveland when Volkle took his life.
USNI News reported, “Our thoughts go out to the Volkle’s family during this incredibly difficult period, and we would ask their privacy be respected.
“Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 is providing chaplain and mental health support to the ship’s crew.
“Cmdr. Janet Brooms will be assigned as executive officer.”
There are dozens of active and retired service members who take their lives every day, but it is something that we rarely see reported.
Let’s change that so we can actually do something about it and address this problem before these numbers get even worse.
Source: USNI