Nov 05 2019 33 mins
Cmdr. Nico Melendez shares his intense commitment to serving the nation, and what sacrifice has meant for his family. He and his brothers graduated together from boot camp in 1990. Over the past 30 years, both Nico and his wife have dedicated their lives to service in the military, state and federal government.
Nico shares with brutal honesty his struggle after returning home from a reserve mobilization to Afghanistan. His experience is not unique and is an important story of homecoming, isolation, depression, the overwhelming love of a wife and his eventual recovery.
In this episode of "When Sacrifice Calls," host Lesley Lykins and Navy Reserve Cmdr. Nico Melendez bravely address the issue of mental health among veterans. This is a story of bravery and sacrifice.
***This episode addresses suicide and may be a trigger for some people.
If you or someone you know needs help and/or has feelings of suicide, please call/text/chat one of the below helplines for immediate care and assistance.****
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 24 hours a day 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
or Text 838255 (24 Hour Chat is also available on their website)
Military OneSource: Call 24 hours a day 1-800-342-9647
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255