Family members of vets who commit suicide seek understanding

Photos courtesy of Pansini family

Marine Sgt. Nick Pansini

October 22, 2011
RYAN MAYE HANDY

THE GAZETTE

Sgt. Nick Pansini did not come home to die.

Pansini, from Littleton, joined the Marines 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) after he finished high school in 2005. After three years in Okinawa and tours in Iraq in 2008 and 2009, he was ready to return to civilian life.

He got a job, a girlfriend and dog, and filled his spare time by riding his mountain bike and putting together two hot rod cars. Nick’s father, Joe Pansini, thought his son had moved on from his war experiences, and was keeping busy.

He learned later that there was one thing Nick was not doing.

“At what point did he deal with his war experience? He did not,” Joe said on Saturday.

Nick Pansini shot himself in his own home in Littleton on July 22, 2010. He was 23 years old and had been out of the Marines for about a year.

“There was not the magical note that was left behind,” Pansini’s father recalled. Not having served in the military, he had no idea what his son was going through, he said....

Much more here.

Faith and Freedom

From TAPS:

MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES: DOWNLOAD “FAITH AND FREEDOM” JULY 1-5

Portion of Proceeds From New Patriotic Song by Gary Morris To Help Families of our Fallen Military Through TAPS

WASHINGTON - Award-winning music legend Gary Morris has dedicated the title cut of his new album, “Faith and Freedom,” to U.S. military service members, and is offering a free download of the song for military service members, military families, and surviving families of our fallen military, July 1-5, 2011.

A public release of the song “Faith and Freedom” will happen after July 5, and a portion of proceeds of the song will be donated to help the families of our fallen military through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). An accompanying original art print will also be sold to benefit TAPS.

Morris has hosted several celebrity golf tournaments for TAPS, raising in excess of one million dollars to help TAPS. TAPS is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces.

“Faith and Freedom” is available to download July 1-5, 2011 for military service members, military families, and surviving families of our fallen military, at: http://www.garymorris.com/july4th/FthFreedmGMorris.mp3

Morris believes more needs to be done to honor the service and sacrifice of our military and their families today. “It is with pride that I dedicate the title cut from my latest CD, Faith and Freedom, to the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard,” said Gary Morris.

“As we spend the holiday with family and friends, I ask that you take time to reflect and to thank the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard who continue to assure us our faith and freedom,” said Morris.

Gary Morris is known for his signature rendition of the classic “Wind Beneath My Wings,” a series of country hits, his award-winning North American Sportsman television show, and his starring role in Broadway’s Les Misérables. He has long been an active supporter of America’s military. He has performed for every U.S. President since Jimmy Carter and entertained our troops at military bases around the world.

About TAPS
TAPS has offered support to more than 30,000 surviving family members of our fallen military since 1994. Services are provided free of charge. For more information about TAPS go to www.taps.org.

2008 Run and Remember - for Team Eli

2008 Marine Corp Marathon, TAPS team

The Marine Corp Marathon: the beginning www.marinemarathon.com

It is that time of year when "The People's Marathon" is run to raise money for worthy Marine-related causes. Started from the idea of one man, the Marine Corp Marathon has grown annually. From that first run in 1976 when 1,175 runners participated on November 7, now the run attracts many teams, honouring specific Marines, and causes.

Team Eli is honoring Eli Parker and raising money for the TAPS program. TAPS is the "Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors." Not that I am biased, but this program does fantastic work across the US in support of the families of our fallen heroes. Eli's parent know well what it means to survive and honour a fallen hero.

TAPS team - Running for Eli Parker family

For this story I did research Eli, and what I found is more than I can share here. There is much to know about this precious son of Donna and Renny.

If it is true that one picture says a thousand words, I found two that maybe come close to the essence of Eli.:

A glimpse of the future Marine?
Eli Parker, Photo: Parker family
Semper Fi, Parker family

And now his family is running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Eli's name - and to honour sons like Patrick Tainsh, too - to raise money for a cause close to their hearts: TAPS.

TAPS is America's front line resource for all who are grieving the death of a loved one serving in the Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Follow the link here to see all the great work TAPS does, day in day out, all year round.

When the unthinkable happens to America's military families and a loved one is taken by war, illness, accident, or suicide - there's an organization uniquely designed to meet their needs. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a caring community of families that have suffered similar losses, is waiting to walk alongside the newly bereaved.

The Marathon is very close now and Renny and Donna are fundraising as part of Team Eli. So far they are at almost 50% of their goal, so they need YOUR help. Please check out the Team Eli page and see what you can do.

Running for Eli, Team Eli

The Donation Page is very easy to use. Honestly, it is! The link for that is : [ Team Eli ]

To find out more information on both the TAPS team "Run and Remember", and all the great things TAPS does year round, go here: [ TAPS]

Semper Fi, Marines!

*Cross-posted - kinda - from NewsBlaze here, and posted to all the usual places.*