Time to talk: It takes a tough soldier to go public about the urge to kill himself

Posted By Thomas E. Ricks Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 11:51 AM Share

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Rhodes is the subject of a good article about how two tours in Iraq stripped him of his marriage and peace of mind, and nearly his life by his own hand. At one point in Iraq he tied himself to his own bunk.

He has gone public to help other soldiers. "It's not about me. ... Every one of us can tell our own story. Start telling it. Change the culture of silence." He emphasizes how important a few kind words can be at the right time. Keep that in mind, little grasshoppers.

U.S. Army

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JJH722

8:39 PM ET

February 9, 2010

sorry, soldier, that goes

sorry, soldier, that goes against the conservative narrative. you are supposed to be devoid of emotions.

MEG

8:55 PM ET

February 9, 2010

What a brave man!

It is wonderful that Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Rhodes is willing to do this. It is especially helpful for him to point out that his life might have been saved by the friend who didn't know he was suicidal, but felt he was suffering and spent a good day with him. There are many stories of such empathy and kindness saving lives -- as Mr. Rhodes is doing now.