Wounded Warrior confesses to putting gun to his head after Army abandoned him

Sergeant Matthew Melancon was the ideal soldier that never complained.  He always understood that his purpose as a soldier was to assist the needs of the Army whatever they may be.  He seemingly had a spirit that could never be broken.  Even losing his leg in service to his country wasn’t enough to break his spirit.  It wasn’t until the employer, in which he committed his body and soul to, turned his back on him that his spirit was broken…

On September 17, 2015 Sgt. Melancon made this confession:

“Tomorrow is a very special day for me. Tomorrow will be my 4th anniversary of my “bad day at the office.” But that is not what this post is about… Today marks another special day only two years ago. Two years ago today I was sitting alone in an empty apartment. I was less than a month from my first amputation and almost 300lbs. As a result of my pending divorce I had no money, confidence or hope. My chain of command had been convinced I was abusing my wife and thus threw me my DD214 and said get out. It was on this night two years ago I felt the coil of hopelessness wrap itself around me, making it physically difficult to breath. I held my Sig 226, the one I bought myself for surviving an IED, resting against my temple, and I simply saw no other way out. I was a failed soldier, a failed leader, a failed husband and now a cripple. There simply wasn’t any hope left for me. I de-cocked the hammer, and curled into a ball and cried myself to sleep, I wasn’t going to be reduced to a statistic that day. Two years later I am more complete and whole than I ever dreamt possible. I have seen and done things that they alone would have made a life worth living. Everyone sees the “Extrovert Matt” who has it all going for him. But know, I too have my demons, and that all I have to do is turn and see them waiting for me to fail. But I am here today, the man I am, because of love. Not “Initiaves” or “Awareness”!! Do NOT be so naive as to think throwing money at organizations or “projects” will make this stop! Don’t think because you do push-ups and wear an awkward ring make these suicides stop! All your doing is letting emotions line someone’s pocket! Me being aware of your “awareness” is not the reason I’m here today. The love of the dedicated doctors and nurses and physicians is why. The love of those who stuck by and those who have joined me is why. Don’t be a statistic my brothers and sisters! Don’t become a number! Just keep growing! Don’t ever stop growing. It’s never over until you say it is. I love you all.”

-Matthew Melancon Sgt (R)

***please share***”

Today, Melancon is alive, well, and more active than most people with all four limbs.  He hopes his message will reach far and wide because the reality is our wars do not end when we return home.