Get Help With Decision Making in the Hectic Aftermath
Our families report that once you get the news of a suicide, it quickly becomes the least of their problems. You will be overwhelmed from all sides. Critical decision-making is required at this time. After the body has been discovered, you’ll need to call your local police or 911 and they will get the Coroner on the scene. You’ll also need to consider a bio hazard clean-up company. Here’s help on how to handle that call.
Many times, you’ll have a funeral home in mind that you want to use. This is great, but call around first. See below, but once the body is in one funeral home, it may costs up to $500 to transfer your loved one across town. What were your Veteran’s final wishes? Did they leave a note or a plan? Regardless of , the choices you make will impact you for years to come financially and emotionally. Here’s three calls that we’d make upon hearing the news that we’ve lost another soldier or Veteran to suicide.
Call Our Time of Need Help Line
Call our support line (202) 305-0537. Open from 8-8 EST, you will find a compassionate and helpful voice on the other line who’s ready to help. We can call local funeral homes and bio-hazard clean up companies to find the best price and the most compassionate people for you.
Call Funeral Homes
If you’re looking to find a funeral home that will do a direct cremation, you will need to call more than the local ones. Direct cremation is the most economical option. Here’s more about why we think this is a great option for some families. Remember to ask for an all-inclusive price so there are no surprises.
Call the VA
Initiate your claim at eBenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance. Your claim will take a while to get to you. That means that the sooner you get it started, the faster you’ll see the money. Expect a range of benefits, from $500 – $2,000. but not in your time of need. If you want to take advantage of their other benefits, like the plot, marker and service, this is at the top of your list.
About Once a Soldier
Started in 2017, Once a Soldier is the only nonprofit in the USA to reach out to the families of Veteran suicide. With your kind support, we will continue to do the hardest job for the most deserving
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My Marine committed suicide on 2/11/2019 he had PTSD and suicidal thoughts the VA had him on 8 different meds, 4 caused suicidal thoughts or idealation. We lived together for 4 years but had only been married for 10 months. The VA does not recognize my marriage, I think this a complete and utter smack to my husband’s face. They take these men who love their country and completely destroy them. Then after something this tragic, they have destroyed me as well. I am a valid widow, I am married in the eyes of God. The complete injustice that I am going through is a horrible experience. I will never be able to unsee what I saw. The Love of my life is gone and the VA doesn’t care about me or my daughter.
Sherri,
Thank you for posting. I wish there was more that I could say or do, but we are here fighting to draw more attention and funds to help the next family. I know that’s cold comfort, but please know that your situation isn’t lost on us and gives us the fuel we need to keep going. May you find the fuel you need, too. And if I’m not mistaken, she’s living with you now.