During his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Nate Diamantine knew fellow servicemen who committed suicide. Now as the assistant principal of Patricia Kay Beaver Leadership Magnet Academy, on Thursday he issued a challenge for over 500 of his students to start the morning with 22 pushups to raise awareness of the 22 veterans who commit suicide daily in the United States.
September is Suicide Awareness Month.
Diamantine, who served from 1994 to 1998, conducted the 22 Pushup Challenge at Blaker Kinser Jr. High and later Cesar Chavez Jr. High before taking on the assistant principal role at Beaver, has expanded the event.
“We have Army here, Navy, fire, police, sheriffs, high school leadership classes, American Legion and they come out every year to support for this brief moment to bring awareness to veterans’ suicide while 500 kids do pushups,” said Diamantine. “It’s a very special event.”
He pushes photos and snippets about the event onto social media in an effort to draw attention to a widespread tragedy.
Diamantine said one of his bosses hung himself and a friend killed himself as he was getting out of the service.
“This has gone up since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars began. But it’s always been an issue because the longer people serve in the Armed Forces, the higher the suicide rate is. It’s that transition. If you’re in the military, you’re used to the hard work, discipline, respect, devotion to duty - all those types of things. Then you come out in the real world and it’s not quite the same.”
Researchers found that the average age of a veteran who commits suicide is about 60. Analysts concluded that Vietnam and female veterans need particular focus. They also determined that a very intense period of risk for suicide is the first four weeks after someone leaves the military, and that this period requires strong monitoring and case management.
According to the Veterans Administration, the most common means of committing suicide by veterans - in half of the deaths - is by use of a gun.
In 2021 461 veterans in California took their own lives, the majority in the 55- to 74-year-old range. That same year the United States saw 6,392 veteran suicides.
If you or a veteran you know is experiencing any of these, contact the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988):
• Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out;
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings;
• Feeling like there’s no reason to live;
• Rage or anger;
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking;
• Increasing alcohol or drug use;
• Withdrawing from family and friends.
If you or a veteran you know is experiencing any of these and needs medical attention, call 911 now:
• When asked, they express a desire to hurt or kill themselves;
• When prompted, they reveal they’re looking for ways to die by suicide;
• They talk about death, dying, or suicide;
• They begin to exhibit self-destructive behavior, such as increased drug or alcohol use, talking about obtaining/ using weapons for self-harm, or saving up medication.
The VA has resources to help veterans who are at risk of suicide. They offer these tips for those who come alongside a veteran who may be at risk for suicide:
• Remain calm;
• Listen more than you speak;
• Maintain eye contact;
• Act with confidence;
• Do not argue;
• Use open body language;
• Limit questions — let the veteran do the talking;
• Use supportive, hopeful comments;
• Be honest — there are no quick solutions, but help is available.
