Gossip circles may report that  Servicemember-suicide is a result of multiple deployments. However the leading components of suicide in military members are actually problems with relationships, finances and substance abuse. Since September is suicide prevention month, it is important to make sure everyone is aware of the realities, threats and signs that lead up to suicide.

"The Minnesota Army National Guard (MNARNG) has lost more than 20 Servicemembers to suicide since 2007," said Cpt. Brummond, resilience, risk reduction and suicide prevention (R3SP) officer in charge of advocacy for the MNARNG. "The majority of these soldiers were not deployed, but were traditional Soldiers."

Cpt. Brummond's team is encouraging help-seeking behavior, and educating units on the importance of recognizing  risk factors and taking action to assist Servicemembers experiencing challenges.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, there are common signs to be aware of and often several ways that you can assist. Many times, all one needs is to be heard in an accepting, non-judgmental manner. Demonstrating compassion and empathy can be very effective.

Be aware that there are severe signs to watch for. If someone is giving away personal possessions, expressing suicidal thoughts or actions, displaying aggressive and disruptive behavior or unable to recognize time and people, then call for help immediately. In extreme situations, like when someone says they have been thinking about how to commit suicide, call 911. Do not leave him or her alone.

"Emotional wounds are just as real as physical wounds. Seeking help to overcome challenges is both a sign of strength and courage," said Brummond. "From the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Minnesota Adjutant General, the message we want to deliver is clear from the top - one suicide is one too many."

To view the common signs of suicide and ways you can help, visit the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon's suicide prevention page.

If you know of a Servicemember that is displaying signs that suggest suicide, or if you are in need yourself, don't hesitate to call the suicide hotline for immediate help, (800) 273-TALK (8255).

Finally, the National VA Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers a live, online chat room for individuals struggling with suicide.

Rick Bouge, a Sergeant in the Army Reserve 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, was deployed to Afghanistan in July 2010. Rick's biggest concern was the welfare of his wife, Tonia. How could he know if she would be taken care of while he was gone? Luckily Rick found help in 'Adopt a Soldier', a program that not only took care of him, but provided support for Tonia as well.

'Adopt a Soldier' is a strategy created by Bob Shirm, who is the military care leader for North Heights Lutheran Church in Arden Hills. 'Adopt a Soldier' offers a way to support and encourage those deployed with care packages and letters. The families who adopt the Soldiers can also look after and adopt the spouse and children.

While at a pre-deployment event, Bob paired Rick and Tonia up with not one, but two families - the Gustafson's and the Wojciak's. While deployed, they sent Rick e-mails asking for his needs and shipped several packages including handmade cards, candy, food items, videos and Christmas decorations. There were so many gifts that Rick was able to share them with other Soldiers.

"I would send an e-mail or a letter as often as possible, thanking the families for their gifts and support," said Rick. "While I was deployed, my biggest concern was my wife. It helped to know that someone was watching over her while I was gone."

Back home families supported Tonia with cards and phone calls. They even traveled more than four hours to visit Tonia at her home in South Dakota. To keep them updated on Rick, Tonia would forward any photos or news she had of his status. When Rick visited home on leave, they connected with the families over dinner.

"'Adopt a Soldier' is wonderful program," Tonia said. "It was really nice having another group to reach out to and talk with. These families were a real blessing."

Rick returned home from deployment in July of 2011, and he said they will definitely remain in contact with his adopted families.

Last month, we turned a donation of 20 tickets to the Big Time Rush concert at the State Fair, to over 300 new Facebook fans and 52 new e-members. We encouraged all e-members to post their favorite military camp photo on our Facebook, with the opportunity to win tickets.

The family who took first place uploaded a photo of her kids at camp OMK, and they knocked it out of the park receiving an astounding 98 "likes" and numerous comments.

Here's a great note from one of the six winning families.

"Hi. I want to take a moment and let you know how wonderful I think your website is! I am always looking forward to what deals are available to military families like myself! That being said, this contest with the photos was so much fun! My children and I loved looking at all the pictures and knowing that we are not alone during this deployment. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity! Whoot whoot Big Time Rush here we come!" Robin Wanhala and Family.

Thank you to everyone for your participation. We enjoyed your photos and look forward to staying in touch. Keep checking in with us as there will be other opportunities in the near future!

Ed Gale's first job out of college was as a sales rep for Chrysler Plymouth. Green in his position, Ed's company sent him to a rural population to learn the ropes. On the job he noticed the conversation could quickly change from car specifications to winter survival. In North Dakota, with its flat plains and constant winds, the threat of blizzard was a major concern. Most residents would pack their trunks with winter gear, food and water as they try to answer the lingering question, "Leave the car and take a chance getting lost on the prairie or stay in the car and risk getting hit by a snowplow?"

Today Ed is the proud father of a Soldier serving in Kuwait. Anthony, with the 134th Brigade Support Battalion, called home not too long ago with a similar story, albeit on the opposite spectrum of weather extremes.

Anthony was stuck at a remote base because of a sandstorm. He said it was blowing so hard he needed to shield his face to keep from sandblasting his eyes. The storm came out of nowhere and lasted for days.

The conversation Ed had with his son reminded him of the blizzards in North Dakota. Ed speculated about how heavy the winds must be to sustain a sandstorm, as sand is much heavier than snow.

Sandstorms are just icing on the cake when it comes to extreme weather in the desert. Listening to his son's stories, Ed gained even more respect for the Servicemembers spending their days in 120 degrees Fahrenheit heat. Not to mention the heat in Kuwait, with occasional winds blowing off the coast, is a humid heat.

Finally, Anthony spoke of animals native to the desert. He mentioned some straggly looking rabbits with eyes that have a haunted look as if they are pleading, "Shoot me. Please, shoot me!"

Ed shared his and his son's story with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon last month, and in closing he wrote, "All I can say is, 'God bless our troops!'"

In July, several members of the Minnesota Military Teen Panel went on a nine-day camping and canoe trip. The camping trip began with an eight hour bus ride to Lake of the Woods Northwest Angle and Islands, followed by a boat ride to the base camp at Laketrails. They were accompanied by the State Youth Coordinator, Laura Groeneweg.

Most of the teens had not been on an extensive canoeing trip like the one they were about to embark on. The adventure began with canoeing, packing and portaging lessons and tips on how to use a trowel. Once the destination had been chosen, the campers filled their dry packs and pushed off for their adventure. Their first destination was an old, abandoned mine area, renamed Helldivers by Laketrails' guides.

The first day the group paddled about 30 miles, challenged by headwinds, rain and two-foot waves. Everyone "loved" the challenging weather. On the second day they reached the mine and spent the day exploring, pulling pranks and exploring abandoned ruins.

The third day was spent exploring, paddling, portaging and even more paddling. The fourth day was a tough paddle to a beautiful island. Then the campers spent the day napping, fishing and trying to catch crayfish.

On the fifth and final day, everyone had become an expert paddler and camper and could set up and take down a tent in minutes. When the campers neared the international border, the National Anthem belted out over the waters. That night the group had the privilege of the cleansing ritual, which took the place of a shower. It consisted of a sauna, a dip in the lake and some shampoo. Everyone enjoyed the cleaning ritual.

The Minnesota Military Teen Panel faced many challenges on this trip. There were rainstorms, waves, allergies and even snakes. There were many memorable events, as well. Campers experienced their first campfires and dinners, conquered challenging waves and weather and witnessed beautiful sunsets. All agreed they would do it again.

- Written by Claire Zenzen, Minnesota Military Teen Panel

 Outstanding volunteerism recognized

Throughout the 2011 season, the Minnesota Twins have recognized Yellow Ribbon Volunteers that go above and beyond in their community Yellow Ribbon Networks in support of
Servicemembers and military families. This summer several nominations of outstanding volunteers were received for recognition by the Twins at Target Field. In August that distinction went to Paulette Olson of Farmington. She received four tickets to the August 9 game, and during the pregame ceremonies Paulette was brought onto the field as the following script was read over the PA system: