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'These are problems that our strongest and bravest are facing and falling victim to' | Run for Life scheduled for Sept. 10

Christian's Corner Foundation was created in memory of Christian Jones, a local man who died by suicide while stationed in Alaska.

MAUMEE, Ohio — More than 7,000 service members have been killed in military operations since Sept. 11, 2001. 

But according to a recent study by Brown University, more than quadruple the amount of men and women in uniform have been claimed by another threat: suicide.

These were just numbers to Nicola Licata. Until they weren't. 

Her son, Christian Jones, was athletic and personable. He was raised in Toledo and attended Anthony Wayne Schools. He joined the U.S. Army in 2018 to serve his country and by 2020, he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.

Credit: Walker Funeral Home

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services said that due to the isolation, lack of daylight each day, and COVID-19 restrictions in the past two years, the state has the highest rate of suicide per capita in the U.S.

Those things brought depression to Jones and in late 2020, he took his life.

Licata said she never saw it coming. Jones wasn't in a combat zone. The call came in at 1:30 a.m. and left her in total shock.

"There's not much to do there except drink," she said. "When he passed away he had a substantial amount of alcohol in his system."

The Alaskan military bases know of the higher suicide risk there and even have programs to help. But Licata said that wasn't enough for her son.

"Once you start digging and trying to comprehend what happened, not just to my son but what's happening to these people, I have to do something," she said.

So, along with her other son, Brandon, Licata started the Christian's Corner Foundation. Its purpose is to raise money for military and veteran suicide awareness and prevention.

Together, they host Run for Life 5K at Dana Incorporated World Headquarters in Maumee. In its second year, the event will be held on Sept. 10, and will feature entertainment, a silent auction and an Honor Guard.

The inaugural run drew 350 people.

"What we can do is talk to the community and get people to understand these are problems that our strongest and bravest are facing and falling victim to," she said.

To register, follow this link for more information on Run for Life.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Crisis Line is available to help veterans even if you're not enrolled in VA care. Call 1-800-8255, press 1 or send a text to 838255.

If you are a service member or military family member who would like to speak to a peer coach who is a veteran, service member or military spouse, call Military OneSource’s free, confidential peer support services at 800-342-9647. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year up to 365 days after separation or retirement.

Anyone experiencing a crisis can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or using the website's chat feature. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

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