After suicide attempt, combat veteran finds his voice
April 16, 2013
Hosted by Gary Ray
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
Just before dawn, Andrew O’Brien flipped his laptop open, turned on his webcam and prepared to tell the world the most personal story of his life. On the first try, the lump in his throat caught his voice and tears welled in his eyes. He tried again, he said, but the words kept jumbling together. His mind raced back to the night his world collapsed, to the horrible mistake he almost made. On his fourth try, O’Brien looked into the tiny keyhole of the webcam: “So here’s the story,” he said, his voice steady now. “I snapped one day and decided to take every pill I could get my hands on.” Four minutes and 23 seconds later, the 24-year-old finished the video. But he hesitated before uploading it to YouTube. There was a reason no other soldier he knew of had ever gone public with their suicide attempt. It’s a taboo subject in general and especially among young soldiers, who too often view talk of feelings as a sign of weakness.
American Heroes Network
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It has been said that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history. Disabled American Veterans struggle every day to overcome life-changing sacrifices. Their stories provides a vital part of history that has contributed to our American tradition.
American Heroes Network provides a way for individuals, corporations and small businesses to support our Heroes by helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. They help aim our veterans, looking for jobs, in the right direction, help provide homes for our troops, assisting individuals and their families who have been severely injured while serving in the U.S. military and providing scholarships for families of our Fallen Heroes.
This will be a weekly hour long show joined by our military heroes and people and organizations that make a difference.
Gary Ray
"Gary Ray's" background includes hosting / co-hosting radio talk shows for more than 15 years on a number of subjects. His background also includes more than 19 years in the Insurance industry, nine years as an Internet Marketer and consultant. Gary is co-founder and co-developer and involved in the implementation of the Worldwide Racing Network. For seven years he worked closely with NASCAR and Turner Sports Interactive with the NASCAR Touring series.
"Gary Ray" joined Armed Forces Radio Network in 2008 as the Public Relations Director and provided Marketing and radio interviews. In February 2011 he was promoted to President. In September 2012 he resigned his position to continue his passion on the next level.
Gary continues helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. He believes by working together, our military men and women who return home are heroes to their families and communities. His resources provide a lifeline of aid and support not only for our veterans but also the families of our fallen heroes.
"Gary Ray" is developing one of the most powerful Radio Networks in the country called "American Heroes Network" powered by VoiceAmerica. You will hear firsthand the personal accounts of heroes whose unselfish actions have contributed to the traditions and values that represent the soul of America.
