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Douglas Brinker’s military service began when he joined the United States Navy in 1981 as a boatswain’s mate. He served overseas in Beirut, Lebanon before ending his active duty in 1984. After time in the Reserves, he joined the Michigan Army National Guard as a sergeant and deployed to Iraq in 2004.
For Douglas, his experiences in the military, in combination with other personal struggles, led to a difficult transition to civilian life. Douglas ultimately survived two suicide attempts before reaching in to find the help he needed to recover and the strength to help others do the same.
“It's okay not to be okay. And more importantly, you need to ask for help when you don't feel right because there are people willing to listen,” said Brinker. “Transitioning individuals need to know that we have their back and that we're going to provide every possible resource we can to help them, especially when they fall on hard times.”
He continued, “Know that you are worth it. That you always matter. And more importantly, you are the future. And if you're older, you still have a purpose in life to help the younger generation know that they have a purpose.”
Douglas also shares these powerful words directly with veterans through his advocacy work with the Jackson County Military Coalition.
“The Coalition started two years ago. We don't focus just on suicide prevention. We focus on bringing hope to veterans and their families by a variety of services. The mission is to be there for the veteran and their family.”
Brinker then touched on the importance of supporting military families.
“They may not deploy physically, but they do it mentally. And there are organizations like the Jackson County Military Coalition, and other Michigan Veterans Coalitions, that are there to be another resource.”
“Help one person every day,” continued Brinker. “That’s what we mean when we say be a Beacon of Hope. I proudly have that sticker on my Jeep, and it has sparked many conversations with both veterans and family members of veterans.”
On the importance of the Veterans Crisis Line, available by calling 988 and then pressing 1, Brinker said:
“When you call 988 and then press 1, you will find individuals have who have been where you are. They have individuals who sadly have lost a family member to suicide. You're going to be connected to a veteran crisis specialist who is going to sit and take the time to listen and care and give you resources and hope.”
When asked for any closing advice he might have, Douglas Brinker said:
“As a two-time survivor, as somebody who has been rewarded for the past 20 years with so much success, I still learn from other people's struggles how to strengthen my own recovery. And if I could say just one thing, you matter always.”
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Veterans of any age or era — or their dependents — may qualify for benefits and resources, such as VA health care, mental health services and education and employment assistance. The MVAA serves as the central coordinating point for Michigan veterans to get connected to their benefits. Contact us at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or visit our website at Michigan.gov/MVAA.
If you're a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention 24/7/365. Call 988 and press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.