EarthTracks

Veteran Suicide Rate

Within the past year I have applied for VA benifits and have started taking better care of my health to include mental health. My experience at the VA has been positive and it has been a good for me. I recieve a letter or notice at least once a month from the VA covering suicide awareness and prevention information. I didn’t realize how big of a problem it is until now.

Over 1000 suicide attempts by Vets each month, 12,000 a year.

About 120 Vets commit suicide every week, 18 a day, over 6000 a year.

This is much higher than the national average. Can we do more to support those who have served our country?

I have suffered for years with depression, and will have to deal with it for the rest of my life. I thought I was alone, now I realize I have too much company.

God Bless Our Troops and Our Veterans

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/cbsnews_investigates/main3496471.shtml

 Brett Johnson, the Dallas County Urban Wildlife Biologist gave a great presentation on the Urban Coyote for the Friends of Cedar Hill State Park. The meeting was on Saturday the 4th at 7pm. Brett shared several stories, current reseach, and information on the Urban Coyote.

I thought this was an interesting article. I don’t have cable TV, so I’ve only seen this show, “man vs Wild” a few times and I’ve never seen the other show “Survivorman”. The time I did watch a few of the epsiodes I thought it was entertaining, but had too much stuff that would and could be dangerous to do in a real situation. I’ve been in survival situations, not by choice, and it’s your brain (knowledge), your mindset, and making well thought out decisions that save your life. Taking some of the chances I’ve seen on this show isn’t smart.

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I don’t consider myself an expert. I sure don’t have world experience. However, while many others have read books, watched videos or tv shows, I’m probably in the woods working, learning, applying my skills and knowledge. I consider myself an experienced woodsman. I know my area (Texas, and surrounding states up to Missouri) and understand the principles of nature and survival. I respect these guys for doing their tv shows, but folks it’s tv…entertainment. True survival probably wouldn’t get the ratings.

One last thing… if it’s man vs wild… wild will always win. Survival isn’t a fight against nature. You survive by playing by the rules of the natural world.

I recently recieved an updated version of Animal Tracks by Olaus Murie and Mark Elbroch in the Peterson Field Guides. I was glad to see that Mark Elbroch was chosen to update Olaus Murie’s work. A new quick reference track key has been added to the front as well as several pictures which are throughout the book. Comments by Mark were placed throughout the books as updates were noted and made. I enjoyed the insect, bird, amphibian and reptile sections with photos. If you only own one tracking book. This should be it.