22 For 22 Suicide Prevention Program

“In honor of the 22 Veterans that commit suicide each day in

America we display 22 pair of combat boots at the University of

Wisconsin—Whitewater to show that they will never be

forgotten!”

Richard Harris, BSW

Coordinator of Student Veterans & Military Service Members

For

2

Introduction: Every day in America twenty-two US military veterans commit suicide. And suicide

among college-aged veterans is approximately four times greater than their civilian counterparts.

“22 For 22”—Suicide Prevention Program was created to develop a comprehensive action plan for

preventing suicide among Student-Veterans.

Problem Statement

A recent extensive study by the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that from 1999 to 2010

suicide among military veterans has skyrocketed to twenty-two deaths a day or one every sixty-

five minutes on average.

The suicide rate among college-aged veterans is estimated to be four times higher than civilian

peers. Wisconsin’s rate is ranked in the top 10 in the country.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has more than three-hundred Veterans and Military

Service Members on campus.

When taking into consideration that the State of Wisconsin ranks in the top ten among college- aged

veterans committing suicide, this effort to prevent suicide among the hundreds of Veterans and

Military Service Members on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is critical.

Goal 1

Objectives

Identify issues of concern to Student-

Veteran population on the University

of Wisconsin- Whitewater’s campus

at-risk for suicide and develop

recommendations to address these

concerns through the development and

implementation of evidence-based

programming and outreach activities.

Collaborate with key university department staff and

faculty to aggressively pursue the development and

implementation of evidence-based programming for

Student-Veteran suicide prevention.

Collaborate with key university department staff and

faculty to provide safe, secure and supportive

environment for Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide.

3

Goal 2

Objectives

Provide easy access to an up-to-

date directory of services that are

available to Student-Veterans

at- risk for suicide.

Collaborate with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Hospital to develop and maintain an up-to- date directory and services that are available to Student- Veterans at-risk for suicide.

Collaborate with Wisconsin Vet Centers to develop and maintain an up-to-date directory and services that are available

to Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide.

Build upon the local community partnerships and outreach established for suicide awareness and prevention to establish support networks for Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide.

Present Outcomes Increased Discussion among Student-Veterans regarding the need for support services by

Student-Veterans at high risk for suicide.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has more than four hundred Student-Veterans on its

campus and an increasing number of them have indicated that they are very concerned about the lack

of awareness on campus regarding the high risk of suicide among Student-Veterans.

The university’s Coordinator of Student Veterans and Military Service Members and the

Veterans Service Organization (VSO) have combined suicide prevention out-reach efforts aimed at

all Student-Veterans and Military Service Members on campus that have yielded positive results.

For example, in response to one of the out-reach efforts a Student-Veteran stated “I appreciate

the time that you're devoting to reminding us of the urgency and severity of suicide among our

fellow veterans.”

In another example a Student-Veteran responded “your out-reach efforts is a reminder that we never

leave anyone on the battlefield. Thanks for adhering to the Warrior Ethos.”

The University’s Coordinator of Student Veterans and Military Service Members and the Veterans

Service Organization (VSO) recently partnered with Trails to Tomorrow—T2T, a community-based,

non-profit charitable organization to sponsor a suicide awareness and prevention event on campus.

4

Projected Outcomes

Increased need/use of support services by Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide. According to a

recent report nearly half of college students who are U.S. military veterans reported thinking of

suicide and 20 percent said they had planned to kill themselves.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has more three hundred Student-Veterans on its

campus and if the previously quoted numbers hold true, at least one hundred and fifty of the

student-veterans on our campus have contemplated suicide while sixty Student-Veterans on our

campus (at one point in time) have planned taking their own lives.

Furthermore, a recent Department of Defense study indicates that National Guard and Reserve

soldiers are at a higher risk for committing suicide due to different stressors and problems from

active duty military members.

Members of the National Guard/Reserve account for more than one-quarter of our university’s

Student-Veteran population and present a greater risk of committing suicide than both other

Student-Veterans and their college peers that have never served in the military.

Key Efforts

Richard Harris, Coordinator of Student Veterans and Military Services will (CSVMS):

Make contact at least once per month via face-to-face, by phone or e-mail with

program coordinators of VA Hospitals in Madison and Milwaukee that have

OEF/OIF/OND Programs which provide an array of services to discuss on-going

strategies to better serve Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide.

Make contact at least once per month via face-to-face, by phone or e-mail with

program coordinators of Vet Centers in Madison and Milwaukee that provide an array

of services to discuss on-going strategies to better serve Student-Veterans at-risk for

suicide.

Engage in the distribution of educational and awareness material for Student-Veteran

suicide prevention via prominent display at the designated Veterans Resource

Information Center located in the University’s Veterans & Service Members Lounge

and other areas on campus;

Include S t u d e n t -Veterans suicide p r e v e n t i o n education and awareness

In the University’s Veterans Orientation Program sessions; and

Partner with key university department directors to hold staff/faculty information

workshops on issues concerning Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide.

5

Program Documentation

Richard Harris, Coordinator of Student Veterans and Military Services (CSVMS) will:

Document the number of Student-Veterans requesting and receiving suicide prevention education and awareness material;

Document the number of Student-Veteran suicide prevention referrals made to both on

campus and community-based resources;

Document the number of student and staff/faculty information workshops conducted on

issues concerning Student-Veterans at-risk for suicide;

Document the number of the University’s Veterans Orientation Program sessions that

include Student-Veterans suicide prevention education and awareness;

Document results of suicide prevention program via Student-Veterans Satisfaction

of Program Services Surveys; and

Document CSVMS participation in trainings/conferences/seminars/workshops that

focus on services provided specifically to Student-Veterans and Military Service

Members at-risk for suicide.

Key Collaborations/Partnerships

Community-Based Resources:

Dr. James Lickel

VITAL Program Manager

Madison VA Medical Center

Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8255 Press 1 for Veterans

Or send text message to 838255

Vet Center Combat Call Center

1-877-927-8387

Jay White, LCSW

OEF/OIF/OND Program Manager

Madison VA Medical Center

Jill Snider, MSW, LCSW

OEF/OIF/OND Program Manager

Milwaukee VA Medical Center

6

Walworth County Suicide Prevention Education

& Awareness Coalition

Campus-Based Resources:

Andrew Browning, Case Manage University Care Team

UW-Whitewater Student Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

“22 For 22” Student-Veterans Suicide Prevention Program

developed and implemented by:

Richard Harris, BSW

Coordinator of Student Veterans & Military Services

[email protected]

Cell # 608-718-6120

Office # 262-472-5236

7

APPENDIX

8

Referral Tracking Form

Student- Veteran

Date

Issues/Concern Referral?

Referred To:

#5647829 11/03/15 In an email correspondence where Student-Veteran seemed to

be very upset that his efforts to find employment were being

unsuccessful stated “That’s why you have suicide rates and

dropout rates, because no one giving them means to live

safely and worry free. It’s all bullshit.

Yes Dr. James Lickel,

VITAL Program

Manager

Richard Jazdzewski,

University Health & Counseling

Services

(UHCS)

Kathy Craney,

Counselor

Career & Leadership

Development

#5647829 11/11/15

In an email correspondence the Student-Veteran seemed

highly agitated because the University Police Department

made a request that the Delavan Police go to his home. The

request was the result of the following comment made by the

Student-Veteran while on campus: “that class was so boring I

wanted to blow my brains.

Yes Matthew Kiederlen,

University Chief of

Police

Richard Jazdzewski,

University Health & Counseling

Services (UHCS)

#6549620 02/12/16 During Chancellor Veterans Committee Meeting, Student-

Veteran spoke about having contemplated suicide after one

of his fellow Marines committed suicide.


VITAL Program

Manager

#3762095 02/12/16 During Chancellor Veterans Committee Meeting, Student-

Veteran spoke about having contemplated suicide due to

severe depression and Post Traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD).


VITAL Program

Manager

9

*The Coordinator of Student-Veterans and Military Service Members assigns random seven digit numbers to Student-Veterans for confidentiality reasons.

**Correspondence regarding Student-Veteran #5647829 included in Appendix as Items #1-22

***Correspondence from Student-Veteran #6549620 included in Appendix as Item #23

Student- Veteran

Date

Issues/Concern

Referral?

Referred To:

#6549620 02/16/16 Student-Veteran stated that he would be attending his uncle

recently deceased uncle’s visitation on Wednesday and

funeral on Thursday, so if he’s not present “don’t worry about

me, I have a support system and I’ll be ok.”

Yes Dr. Lickel, VITAL Program Manager

#6549620

02/17/16 Student-Veteran stated that he was at his uncle’s visitation and

was holding-up well with thoughts of harming himself.

Yes Dr. Lickel, VITALProgram Manager

#4987202

02/18/16 Student-Veteran met with Writer via “Walk-In” appointment

and discussed multiple issues. The Student-Veteran stated

that he once contemplated suicide, but was in a good place

now and had no plans to harm himself or anyone else.

Yes Dr. James Lickel, VITAL Program

Manager

#3876295 02/23/16

Student-Veteran disclosed that several years ago, she had

attempted suicide and Student-Veteran stated that she felt safe

at this time and had no plans to harm herself or anyone else.

She also stated that she desired peer support from the 3Dub—

Whitewater Women Warrior Support Group.

Yes Jennifer Sluga, MS, NCC, LPC, SAC

#8390227

02/24/16 Student-Veteran disclosed that a few years ago, during his

transition from the military to civilian life, he attempted

suicide. Student-Veteran stated that he felt safe at this time

and had no plans to harm himself or anyone else. Student-

Veteran also stated that he receives mental health services

from the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

Yes Milwaukee VA Medical Center

10

Efforts & Activities

Date

Description

07/09/15 Travel to Madison VA Medical Center to gather suicide awareness and prevention material for distribution

to UW-Whitewater Student-Veterans.

08/21/15 Travel to Milwaukee Vet Center to gather suicide awareness and prevention material for distribution to UW-

Whitewater Student-Veterans.

09/15/15 Strategic planning/meeting with UW-Whitewater Veterans Service Organization regarding the issue of raising awareness about the skyrocketing number of

Veterans committing suicide.

10/06/15 Correspondence emailed to Student-Veteran population regarding the issue of veteran suicide.

11/03/15 Travel to Milwaukee VA Medical Center to gather suicide awareness and prevention material for distribution to UW-Whitewater Student-Veterans.

12/07/15 Travel to Madison Vet Center to gather suicide awareness and prevention material for distribution to UW-Whitewater Student-Veterans.

01/09/16 Strategic planning/meeting with UW-Whitewater Veterans Service Organization and Trails to Tomorrow, Inc. to plan “Going the Distance for Veterans” the on- campus event to raise awareness of

the epidemic of suicide among Veterans.

01/17/15 Prominent display of Veteran suicide awareness and prevention material in the

Student-Veterans & Military Service Members Lounge.

02/12/16 Discussion regarding Trails to Tomorrow, Inc. “Going the Distance for Veterans” on campus Suicide awareness event at the Chancellor Veterans and Military Service Members Committee meeting.

02/16/16 Discussion with Sarah Hessenauer, University Faculty/Staff regarding Trails to Tomorrow, Inc. “Going the Distance for Veterans” on campus suicide awareness event.

11

Date

Description

02/19/16 Visit VA Medical Center in Madison to gather Veteran suicide awareness and prevention material for distribution. 02//24/16 Phone conversation with representatives from 24-hour Veterans Suicide Prevention Crisis Hot-Line regarding protocol

for Veterans in crisis mode.

02/27/16 Scheduling of Campus Suicide Prevention Awareness events March 14th thru March 18th at the University Center

from11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

02/29/16 Combat Boot Donation Drive to collect twenty-two pair of combat boots in Memory of the twenty-two Veterans a day

that commit suicide.

03/10/16

Interview conducted with reporter Anna Marie Lux of the Janesville Press Gazette regarding Student-Veteran Ryan

Krebs, the Student Veterans & Military Service Members Lounge and my efforts to prevention Student-Veteran

Suicide.

12

Appendix

13

14

15

c

16

17

18

ANNA MARIE LUX

Sunday, November 22, 2015

WHITEWATER—Most students at UW-Whitewater have not been to war. But sophomore Cody Robinson,

who served with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, does not feel isolated. “UW-Whitewater has a great climate

for veterans,” Robinson said. “They make you feel welcome. The faculty encourages

veterans to mingle with each other so we can share common experiences.”

Jan Nordin, veterans' benefits coordinator, said the school reaches out to vets in

many ways. “For several years, there has been a veterans' space on campus,” she

said. “Veterans can hang out with others who have had similar experiences.”

In addition:

—The campus has a veterans service organization.

—Some sections of classes are specifically for veterans.

—Peer mentors help veterans transition from military to college life.

The Military Times called UW-Whitewater a “best for vets college.” A military guide listed it among top

colleges and universities. “We are proud of these accomplishments,” said Richard Harris, coordinator of

student veterans and military services on campus. He started his job in March to respond to the unique needs

and concerns of more than 300 students who are veterans or military service members and almost 100 spouses

and dependents.

“I am often called upon to be an advocate, confidant, broker of services and friend among other things,” said

Harris, who was in the Army for six years.

Not since World War II has the country had so many veterans on college campuses. But today's vets are

different because they often have seen combat several times

in two wars, both Iraq and Afghanistan, Harris said. One of the biggest issues facing veterans is suicide.

Harris cited statistics showing that:

—The suicide rate among college-age vets is about four times greater than their civilian counterparts. A

Department of Veterans Affairs study revealed that from

1999 to 2010 suicide among military veterans skyrocketed to 22 deaths a day. —Wisconsin's veteran-suicide

rate is among the top 10 in the country.

Harris and a veterans service organization on campus have combined prevention outreach efforts aimed at all

student vets and military service members.

“I send out information to vets once a month,” Harris said. “This is a way for me to create suicide awareness. A

lot of veterans don't go to the Veterans Administration

for help.”

UW-Whitewater reaches

out to Student-Veterans

19

A recent Department of Defense study shows that National Guard and Reserve soldiers are at a higher risk for

suicide than active-duty military members. Members of

the National Guard and Reserve make up more than a quarter of the university's student-veteran population.

Harris believes part of the reason for their higher suicide rate is that National Guard members and Reservists

live in the stress of both the civilian and military worlds.

“We have 85 active members of the Army Reserve and National Guard who can be sent to the other side of the

world in a minute's notice,” Harris said. “They are

under a tremendous amount of pressure.”

UW-Whitewater is probably one of the few colleges in the country that has a response plan if the National

Guard and Reserves are mobilized, Harris said.

The plan includes immediate contact with their families to provide lists of community- and campus-based

resources.

Other issues facing veterans are traumatic brain injury, the signature wound of both Afghanistan and Iraq, and

post-traumatic stress disorder.

A number of vets have one or both, which can negatively affect their studies, Harris said. Therapist James

Lickel of Middleton Memorial VA Hospital visits the campus monthly to meet with vets.

“For anyone who needs medical treatment, he is the person we go to,” Harris said. “He is able to review

medical records quickly and get beyond the red tape.”

Discussions about traumatic brain injury take place in the vets lounge. In addition, vets seek out other vets and

talk with them. Because of word of mouth, referrals for help have jumped, Harris said.

In one case, a student veteran told Harris that he was having trouble concentrating on assignments because of

multiple concussions sustained during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The student was referred to

several agencies, including the VA in Madison, for help. Harris believes he can connect with veterans

“because I am one of them.” “If I can help veterans build their mental and physical states, they can take care of

their academic work,” Harris said. “If they fail, it is because they did not have a sufficient support system to

succeed.”

20

ANNA MARIE LUX

Sunday, March 13, 2016

WHITEWATER—Veteran and UW-

Whitewater student Ryan Krebs suffers

memory loss from a brain injury.

But he never forgets the dates of the

deaths of five fellow Marines.

Two died in Afghanistan in separate

explosions. Two died in car accidents.

Another took his life late last year.

All the deaths weigh heavily on Krebs,

but the most recent took him to a deeper

despair.

“I felt the world get a lot darker,” the 25-

year-old said. “I began having dark

thoughts about hurting myself.

One day, I decided that I would go home

after school and put a bullet in my brain.”

Coincidentally, a friend interviewed

Krebs on the same day about his military

service for a class project. The friend,

Dylan Sessler, asked Krebs if he ever

thought about suicide. Krebs confided

that he had, but he did not

say anything about his fatal plan.

Then Sessler told Krebs something the veteran will never forget. “I'm glad you are still with us,” Sessler said.

Krebs had convinced himself that he was alone and that no one

cared about him.

“But I was wrong,” Krebs said. “I began thinking about how it would impact my friends if I took my own life.

I realized I could not bring them that kind of pain. There's no one closer in life than your fellow vets.”

Student-Veteran Talks About Suicide:

‘I felt the world get a lot darker’

Ryan Krebs stands for a portrait near the Veterans and Service Members

Lounge inside Andersen Library at UW-Whitewater. The ex-Marine

thought about taking his own life but was helped through a rough spot by

other veterans at the lounge on the campus. Krebs now speaks out on

behalf of suicide awareness among veterans.

21

Krebs credits the small veterans' lounge in Andersen Library on the UW-Whitewater campus for saving his life.

“Were it not for the atmosphere in the lounge that makes me feel safe talking about anything, I would be dead

today,” Krebs said.

Veterans and current military members who are students gather daily in the small lounge, which opened in

2011. “We all have our demons from our time in service,” Krebs said. “Our families do not know what to say.

We can't talk to most students because they are just out

of high school. But we can come to the lounge, where veterans drop everything and help each other through the

darkness.”

Krebs joined the Marines in July 2009 because he said he wanted to fight his country's battles. Five months

later, his car hit an icy patch on Highway 26 north of Janesville and collided with a semitrailer truck. “The last

thing I remember is the semi coming at me,” Krebs said. The impact left him with broken bones and brain

damage. He had to learn how to walk and to talk again. “I joined the Marines to be in combat,” Krebs said.

“But I never got to deploy. I have plenty of friends who

were injured or died overseas. I wish I could have done my part. A lot of us veterans feel survivor's guilt. I

wonder if they died because I wasn't there.”

Krebs was stationed in Japan for more than a year before he left the military in August of 2013. He said he

hates being thanked for his service. “It makes me think

about the people who didn't come back or who lost limbs,” Krebs said. Instead, he wants people to ask

themselves what they can do to help veterans. “Do you care

about veterans?” he said. “Or do you walk away when their world is collapsing on them?”

VETERAN SEES A FUTURE

Ryan Krebs has reached out for help from a counselor. “From day one, we are told to be strong,” Krebs said.

“But true strength is asking for help when you need it.

To fight the good battle, you have to fight as a team.” His friend Dylan Sessler, also a veteran, recently found

out that his supportive words dissuaded Krebs from

taking his life. “I had no idea,” Sessler said. “When he told me, it hit me like a bus.” Joenes Anthony Cordero

Gellada is president of the Veterans Service members Organization on campus. He works to create awareness

about veterans' issues. When he learned Krebs contemplated suicide, he felt shocked and sad. We wondered

what we missed or what we could have done,” Gellada said. “Many vets tend to keep it to themselves.”

Krebs is looking to the future. He is in his second year at UW-Whitewater, where he is majoring in

psychology. After graduation, he wants to work as a psychologist

with the Veterans Administration. The young veteran looks at every 24 hours as a new opportunity. “I try

harder every day to be better than I was the day before or

any day before that,” Krebs said. “I need to be a better person for those around me.”

22

Item #1

From: Harris, Richard Sent: Monday, November 02, 2015 10:50 PM

To: XXXXX

Fellow Veteran,

I'm sure that you are very busy with class assignments and other significant responsibilities, but

your support is needed! VSO President, Joenes Gellada needs your support for tomorrow's first

cookout to be held outside the UC on the Hyland side at 5pm instead of a meeting. If you are

going to join in the festivities please bring either a soft drink or chips and condiments. Also if

you haven't voted for who you want to be the new VP and Secretary please head to the Veteran

Lounge and place your vote. We will be announcing the winners at the cookout tomorrow. There

is a sign-up sheet in the lounge for volunteers for helping with the Tie a Ribbon on the Honor

Tree. The sign-up sheet will be there until the 6th. I hope to see all of you there tomorrow. It

will be a good time to just relax and have fun.

23

Item #2

From: XXXXXX

Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2015 7:44 AM

To: Harris, Richard

Subject: RE:

What I need is a job so I can some damn money, not cookouts with people I have no intention of

meeting. No one is giving out jobs, their support of the veterans is all bullshit. Everyone is all talk,

no one is DOING a damn thing. Unless you jump through 80 loops just to get a fucking 7.25$ job.

They can take their cookout.

24

Item #3

From: Harris, Richard


To: XXXXXX

Subject: RE:

Good morning XXXXXX,

I appreciate your brutal honesty. And, will start making calls and talking to people about jobs on

your behalf this morning. Are you looking for a particular job? Do you need full-time or part-

time work? Do you have a vehicle in case some jobs require travel? I can sense your frustration,

but hang in there!

Regards,

Richard

25

Item #4

From: XXXXXX


To: Harris, Richard

Subject: RE:

I have a car, and I am fully competent. I prefer jobs where I can mostly work on my own. Maybe

like a library, or cleaning in the mornings or the nights. I'm just sick of going to countless

interviews and getting shut down. I'm tired of jumping through loops just to get denied. I don't

have time to wait a week or a month for someone to call. I have an interview with "Andrew," but

again, he said he's only going to refer to ANOTHER person. Again, this is frustrating and normally

a waste. I'll take anything, as long as I can get some hours, and be able to work mostly on my own.

Thank you,

I am not mad at you, just the false words many people utter.

26

Item #5



To: XXXXXX

XXXXX,

I'm not going to pass you off to someone else. In fact, if you need me to be there through any of

the job search process let me know.

Richard

27

Item #6

From: XXXXXX


To: Harris, Richard

My problem isn't job searching. My problem is not getting hired. They all take the applications,

but no one is DOING ACTUAL HIRING.

I can hand out applications all damn day long, but that's not producing CASH. That's my issue

with this country and its supposed support of the veterans. Veterans need action. CASH IN

THEIR HAND, not a pat on the back saying "I'm there for you."

That's why you have suicide rates and dropout rates, because no one giving them the means to

live safely and worry free. It’s all bullshit.

The country is all bullshit.

And if I don't get a job, there won't be any means for me to survive. That's my point.

28

Item #7



To: XXXXXX

Good morning XXXXX,

I just spoke with Kathy Craney regarding Hawk jobs here on campus. I expressed to her that you

were very frustrated at the job seeking process and didn't want to deal with another interview and

walk away without a job. She stated that she understood and asked that you set-up an appointment

with her so that she could help you get a job. She is in the Career and Leadership Department

(262) 472-5236. In the meantime I will be looking at other sources of employment too. I apologize

for this process taking time because I know that you need a job now and I'll do my best to speed

things up.

Regards,

Richard

29

Item #8

From: XXXXXX

Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 12:43 AM

To: XXXXXX

Dear Mr. Harris, An incident happened to me that aroused great animosity towards the University of Wisconsin

Whitewater, so much so, that by next semester, I am transferring to the University of Wisconsin

Milwaukee. This was the last straw.

November 10, during one of my classes, I was talking in a group of mine during class, in which I

used a metaphorical phrase between a girl and I that was along the lines of, "That class was so

boring I wanted to blow my brains." In which we both proceeded to laugh in unison about how the

class was boring. This person in turn called the university police.

I wish to talk about how this incident transpired to the egregious and insane event that started as

a small innocent comment, to the point where 3 officers with their hands on their guns showed

up at my personal residence. I wish to hold a public meeting with all veterans, and to tell them

and you this story in detail. I am in the process of filing a complaint against the dean, and the

entire campus of whitewater. It’s fucking ridiculous. I am outraged, offended, and I am leaving

Whitewater next semester.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

30

Item #9


Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 1:16 PM

To: Richard Jazdzewski

Hello Rich,

I am forwarding an email that I received from a Student-Veteran this morning. I have been in

contact with this Student-Veteran for a couple of weeks and do have concern that he is very

angry and frustrated, but does not seem interested in receiving counseling services from UHCS

or anywhere else for that matter. I'm somewhat uncomfortable with him even mentioning

"suicide" in his conversations. Any thoughts on how to proceed with him?

Richard

31

Item #10



To: XXXXXX

Good afternoon brother, I'm very sorry that you had such a bad experience. I wish the situation would have been handled

differently, but we can definitely address the situation. I already spoke with Rich Jadzewski, the

Director of the University Health and Counseling Services. He has a great deal of knowledge in

this area and has helped me resolve a lot of issues regarding Veterans on our campus. I strongly

believe that he should have been consulted immediately if someone believed that you were a threat

to yourself and others. That said, I have asked Rich to meet with us so that you can openly and

honestly express how you feel about the way the situation was handled. Rich really wants to hear

your side of the story because it could impact the way future incidents like yours are

handled. I would like to thank you for coming forward and sharing this with me because my goal is to work

as hard as I can to ensure that Veterans are served in the best manner possible here on campus

and clearly I have failed in doing this. So, I send you my sincerest apology and ask that you allow

me to seek the best resolution for you and future Veterans.

Also, I will be reaching out to the University's Chief of Police for a meeting to express your

concerns. And, I will be speaking with the Veterans Student Organization (VSO) to ask that you

have the opportunity to address them and other Veterans with your concerns. I'm sure that

everyone will be more than willing to hear what you have to say and work together with you on

getting this issue resolved.

In the meantime, are you still allowed to go back to the class? It could be an awkward situation

for you, the professor and the student that called the police.

PS. I'm on my way to speak with the University Chief of Police shortly.

Thanks much,

Rich

32

Item #11

From: XXXXXX

Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 2:57

PM To: Richard Harris

I made the personal decision not to return to school the rest of the week, as I am extremely pissed

off as to how the situation was handled. I was made to believe I was a threat, that I was somehow

endangering people. I would love to speak to you, the rest of the veterans, and anyone else who

cares to listen. I would like to file a complaint against the highest echelons of authority at this

school, and remind them how inept they are in handling veterans. I will be back Monday, and

would love to sit down with you and figure out how we will hash these issues out.

I am highly grateful for your support through all of this, as I am still jobless (lol) through

all this.

Sincerely, XXXXXX

(I have been "deemed" "coherent enough" to return to class...apparently)

33

Item # 12



To: XXXXXX

Good evening XXXXXX,

I hope that you get rested and re-energized during your days off from school. I look forward to

sitting down with you Monday to discuss what happened. Also, I spoke with the University's

Chief of Police regarding the situation and he stated that although your comments made the

young lady uncomfortable, they were clearly made as a joke. I informed him that you needed a

job and he stated that he could hire you as a CSO now and later he could hire you as an office

administrator. Let me know if you're interested.

Best regards,

Richard

34

Item # 13

From: Richard Jazdzewski

Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:24 AM

To: Richard Harris

HI Richard, Did you get a response? When can we meet? I would for him to have an opportunity to voices

his concerns with me so that we can represent them to campus.

Thanks,

Rich

35

Item #14

From: Richard Harris

Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:35 AM

To: Richard Jazdzewski

Good morning Rich,

He seems to have calmed down. And, I spoke our Police Chief and he informed me that the

Student-Veteran made a joke that was in poor taste, but was not a threat to himself or anyone

else.

Thanks,

Richard

36

Item #15

From: XXXXXX

Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2015 9:49 AM

To: Harris, Richard

Richard,

Crazy is it not? Two weeks after our original discussion, I remain jobless. Even this measly

janitor job on campus is taking eons of time: they additionally need to complete a background

check—which, coincidentally, takes more than a week to complete, in addition to the actual

process time of looking at my job application.

This crap’s absolutely ridiculous. This country, this University, these “advocates” for Veterans,

is all a bunch of verbal accolading fucking bullshit. People wonder why people commit suicide,

drop-out, or sell drugs. If I had kids, a family, or medical problems, I’d have already been fucking

dead if I was to wait on the way your people conduct business.

No one’s helping me. No one’s doing shit as per usual Richard. I sound like a broken record.

That’s why in this life, you gotta’ do what you gotta’ do, no matter what it means—legally,

morally, anything.

Because no one’s gonna’ do shit for you. The world, this society, doesn’t give a damn.

Instead of police showing up at my door because they misunderstand one sentence I said to a

classmate, why don’t they show up at the real threats to Veterans—the people in charge of these

jobs.

There all fucking criminals. The whole campus.

And quite frankly, I’m done with these people and Whitewater.

I’ll give my money somewhere else.

XXXXXX

37

Item #16

From: Joseph Gellada

Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 2:57 PM

To: Richard Harris

Attached to this email is a typed story of what happened to XXXXX on 11/10/2015. I heard he

already talked to you about this incident; so I just wanted to send you the full story about it. If

there is anything I can do to help with the situation or to bring awareness of how Veterans are

being treated; let me know.

Thanks

Attachment contained the following:

“On Tuesday November 10, 2015, I XXXXXX was in a class with a group of students working

on a project. Within the group discussion, I had asked if one of my classmates was as bored as I

was during our Monday night class, to which we both agreed we were bored. I had said, “Man,

that class was so boring I wanted to stick a gun in my mouth and blow my head off,” a purely

metaphorical, common statement, to which we both laughed in agreement afterwards.

Later Tuesday night, I was called by an officer from the University of Whitewater Campus police.

He asked if I would be able to come in to the campus police station and answer a few questions. I

replied, “No. Why do I need to speak to the police? What have I done? And lastly, I commute

from Delavan, I am not going to drive all the way to Whitewater.” The officer repeatedly asked

me to come in to the station, and whether or not it would be okay for a squad car from the Delavan

police would be able to come by my house and make sure I was alright. I replied, “No I do not

need the police to come by, I do not even know what I have done.” By this time the Campus police

told me that a student in one of my classes had overheard my statement, and was concerned that I

was suicidal, and that the police wanted to make sure that I was okay. I repeatedly told the

policeman that I was okay, and that I certainly did not want to talk to the cops. By this time, the

Campus police Chief got on the phone, and told me, “XXXXXX, you have two options: One, you

can let a squad car come by your house and make sure you’re okay, or two, you can be court

ordered to complete mandatory counseling on campus until your

deemed safe enough to come back to class.” At this time, I knew I was out of my league, without

proper representation, and so I consented to the squad car coming by my personal residence. Upon

answering the door, three Delavan policemen showed up at my residence, hands on their holsters,

and staring at me intently. I came out and said, “Three policemen, isn’t this a little much?” To

which the head officer replied, “Well Mr. XXXXXX, maybe you can tell us what’s

38

going on. We received a call from the Whitewater police that you might be suicidal or

dangerous.” I explained to the cop what had happened, and they happily left.

I would like to say a few things:

(1) The police were in no way disrespectful or aggressive towards me. They were

very polite.

(2) I do not disagree with a policy that addresses possible suicides or people that

may be harmful, or who exhibit signs of odd behavior. My problem is with the

University, and the way they handle these situations, especially with veterans.

With multiple counselors on campus, I find it appalling that the first

responders to people who MAY be having a hard time, is the police. No

person, especially veterans, wants to speak to the police if they are having a

tough time. Police, by nature, create panic and worry towards any persons

they come in contact with. They escalate the feelings within the individual

because they, as I did, feel like a threat.

(3) I do not like being strong-armed into consenting to police showing up at my door, by threatening to court-order me to counseling. Firstly, I do not know if this is the REAL policy. I was not explained thoroughly or objectively what the process for resisting police interaction would be. I do not know if a policy like this, regarding suicide, even does exist. BUT if any of it does, I should have been explained the procedure, and not threatened into consenting to something I did not want to do.”

39

Item #17



To: Jonas Gellada

Good evening Joenes, I am aware of XXXXX situation and I'm working on getting him an opportunity to discuss what

happened to some key decision makers on campus. I have made some progress as the director of

UHCS and the Chief of Police are willing to meet with him.

Thanks much,

Richard

40

Item #18



To: XXXXXX

Good evening XXXXX,

I have a phone conference with the Work Study section Chief tomorrow afternoon regarding your

paper work. I have asked him to please make sure it's not sitting on someone's desk not being

processed! Also, I would like to share the letter that you sent Joenes because it actually illustrates

one of my concerns regarding how to best deal with possible Student-Veteran suicides. I know

you're frustrated, but I'm right here doing whatever I can to make sure your concerns are heard and

action is taken! I give you my word that I'm not the type of person that's going to rest while you

are struggling!

Thanks and have a good evening,

Richard

41

Item #19

From: XXXXXX

Sent: Monday, November 17, 2015 4:56 AM

To: Richard Harris

Dear Richard,

This has been an interesting little journey we’ve had. I know I am one of the few rarities at this

school, raising issues where few people have been willing—at least to the small extent that I have

tried by talking to various people on campus. I hope one thing you’ve learned from this, something

I’ve been trying to communicate for a long time, is that the help that out there is all very arms—

length orientated. The help, if it ever comes, comes too late when a man can’t make money

anymore. This semester is almost over, and I doubt I’ll have enough money or means to be able

to fulfill my most basic obligations.

You can keep the job Richard. You can keep the letter. None of it makes a difference. That campus

and its people will continue to run things and treat people the way the will, and my letter, much

like my job applications—will sit idle and, if help ever does come, IF, it comes too late.

I’m through waiting for things to transpire that never transpire. Both with how I was violated,

and with how long it’s taken for a single fucking job.

I don’t blame you Richard, just like the Army, I didn’t blame my sergeants, I blame the

bureaucratic bullshit.

I’ll find my own way as usual, trudging through.

Thanks for your help,

XXXXXX

42

Item #20


Sent: Monday, November 17, 2015 2:57 11:30AM

To: Richard Jazdzewski and Matt Kiederlen

Hello Rich and Matt,

I recently received this email correspondence from Student-Veteran XXXXX (Content of this

email correspondence previously documented in item #16). He seems to be very upset about the

way that an incident was handled and has asked to speak with the University’s leadership on the

matter. He has indicated that he is seeking to file a complaint (which I can’t verify), but I’ve been

trying for the past couple of weeks to get him in to speak with Rich, but has not responded with a

yes or no. I’ve also informed him that Matt was willing to give him a job, but he hasn’t replied

whether or not he’s interested in the job. I’m working diligently to find him a job

through VA Work Study, Hawk Jobs and our Human Resources Department, but that takes time

and he seems to be extremely impatient and agitated about the hiring process taking time and past

interviews that he’s had without a job offer. I read one of his job applications and it is full of

military “jargon” that a civilian employer would either not understand or find that it has little/no

value. Besides the military the only job he had was in a “small grocery store in high

school.” Based on that I made a referral to Kathy Craney for resume assistance, but he has failed

to respond. He appears to be a young guy who went into the Army right after high school and as

an infantryman found himself quickly in Afghanistan. This experience seems to have made him

very bitter as he often has angry outburst directed at how the government, the University and the

rest of society treats him and other Veterans. He also has a tendency to make references to the

suicide rate for Veterans being high because of “no one is helping them.”

I’ll continue to work to find him employment and encourage him to think more

positive. Hopefully things will turn around for him. In the meantime I’ll keep you all in the loop

on this.

Thanks much,

Richard

43

Item #21

From: Matt Kiederlen

Sent: Monday, November 18, 2015 2:57 1:41 PM

To: XXXXXX

Bcc: Richard Harris

XXXXXX,

Can you give me a call? My direct line is 262-472-4681. We have an administrative position

available, working directly with Sgt. Schwartz (included in email). It would be daytime hours

but flexible, about 10 hours a week, $7 something an hour.

To complicate it further, Sgt. Schwartz and I are both deer hunters, going to be gone as of Friday

through next week. If you are really interested, give me a call today or tomorrow, and Sgt.

Schwartz will finalize with you on the 30th

.

Matt Kiederlen Chief of Police

44

Item #22

From: VBA Work Study Management System

Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2015 2:00 PM

To: Richard Harris

Mr. RICHARD HARRIS,

Thank you for participating in the VA Work-Study program. We are enclosing the approved Work-

Study Contract and Time Record documents for your Work-Study student, XXXXXX. The

Contract shows the effective dates of this agreement and the maximum number of hours that your

student can work. The Contract must be signed by XXXXXX and returned as a scanned email

attachment to the Regional Processing Office. No payment will be provided for Work- study hours

without a signed contract. Work Study hours should be recorded daily on the Time Record and a

signed copy of the Time Record should be emailed to the Regional Office at 50 hour increments

unless it is the final time sheet.

45

Item #23

From: #6549620

Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2016, 1:36 PM

To: Richard Harris

Good afternoon Richard,

Long story short, my friend from my first unit took his own life early last semester. This came.

Only six months after another friend had died in a car accident, and proved too much for me to

handle on my own. I started having suicidal thoughts shortly after his own suicide, and eventually

decided I would take my own life. On the day I had planned to do that, a fellow veteran student

talked with me in the Veteran's Lounge and we got onto the topic of veteran suicide and I told him

that I have had suicidal thoughts before. His response to that is something I will never forget, and

is why I am still alive, choking slightly, and with painful relief in their voice they told me "I'm

glad you're still with us." That made me realize that I could not bring them the pain my friend's

suicide had brought to me. Were it not for the Veteran's Lounge, and the atmosphere in it that

makes me feel safe talking about anything, I would be dead today.

Sincerely,

XXXX

46

Item #24


Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2015 2:57 11:34 PM

To: Student-Veteran Population

Hello Fellow-Veteran,

I am your friendly Coordinator of Student-Veterans and Military Services here at the University

of Wisconsin-Whitewater! As you can see by the time that you’re receiving this email I’m up

late! It’s been hard for me to sleep lately after learning of the following shocking statistics: Each

day we lose one Active Duty Member to suicide while at the same time each day twenty-two

Veterans take their own lives! I know that we’re all busy with the fall semester, jobs and raising

families among other things that living life brings. But, let’s please take care of ourselves and

each other. We have a great resource on campus with Dr. James Lickel being our Liaison to the

Madison VA Medical Center. I’m asking you take just a few minutes to read the attached flyer

and consider using VA Healthcare.

Thanks and have a great rest of the evening!

Richard

Documents

22 For 22 Suicide Prevention Program