On this episode of We Got Your Six and Twelve on WJOB, host Connie Karis leads a powerful and heartfelt conversation about veteran suicide prevention, mental health awareness, grief, and supporting the families left behind after suicide loss.

Joined by Jennifer Snyder Prohl, Marla Haish, and Department of Defense Honor Guard member Nick Suarez, this episode shares the personal experiences of those who have witnessed the struggles of mental illness and lost loved ones to the invisible wounds of military service. Through their stories of Kevin and Eric, the guests discuss the lasting impact of PTSD, depression, survivor's guilt, and the challenges families face while trying to understand and cope with loss.

This important conversation highlights why we must break the stigma surrounding suicide, stop placing blame on grieving families, and create space for honest conversations about mental health. The guests also emphasize that grief looks different for everyone and that healing happens one day at a time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Veteran suicide prevention and the invisible wounds of military service

• PTSD, depression, and the mental health challenges veterans face

• The experiences of families grieving a loved one lost to suicide

• Survivor's guilt, grief, and the importance of releasing self-blame

• Gold Star families and honoring the lives and legacies of fallen veterans

• How to recognize warning signs and have difficult conversations about suicide

• Free suicide prevention training and mental health resources

• The importance of community support, compassion, and breaking the silence surrounding mental health

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Resources Mentioned:

• LivingWorks: https://livingworks.net/

• QPR Institute: https://qprinstitute.com/

• Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

• Zero Suicide Alliance: https://zerosuicidealliance.com/

• GriefShare: https://www.griefshare.org/

These resources offer training and support to help people recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations, and connect others with help.

At its heart, We Got Your Six and Twelve is dedicated to suicide prevention among veterans, first responders, their families, and the communities that support them. This episode reminds us that a person's life is not defined by their death, families are not to blame for a loved one's struggles, and no one should have to face mental health challenges alone.

Watch, listen, and help us spread awareness. Sometimes, starting a conversation can make a difference. Be kind. Everyone is going through something.

📻 Listen to Veterans Views on WJOB every Friday from 9–10 a.m. Central on WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM in Hammond, Indiana.

📺 Subscribe to WJOB for more conversations about veterans, community issues, mental health, and the people making a difference across Northwest Indiana.

#VeteranSuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #Veterans #PTSDAwareness #SuicidePrevention #GoldStarFamilies #WeGotYourSixAndTwelve #WJOB #NorthwestIndiana

In this episode of We Got Your 6 and 12, Connie Karras continues an important conversation about Gold Star families, military loss, grief, suicide prevention, and the importance of community support.

Connie is joined by Joe and Bernadette Rhodes, who share their experience following the loss of their son, Luke, and discuss their efforts to create the Northwest Indiana Gold Star Family Support Group—a local space where military families experiencing loss can connect with others who understand what they are going through.

The conversation also features Stacy Garcelon Williams of Anum Cara Equine Stables, who discusses peer support, mental health resources, suicide prevention, and the healing connection between people and horses. The episode explores the challenges veterans and military families can face when transitioning back to civilian life, navigating government services, coping with grief, and finding meaningful community connections.

The guests also highlight local resources and organizations supporting veterans, Gold Star families, suicide-loss survivors, and others experiencing crisis.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. Sometimes healing begins simply by showing up, finding your people, and knowing that someone is willing to listen.

In the premiere episode of We Got Your 6 and 12, hosts Connie Karas (U.S. Marine Corps Veteran) and Leslie Fernandez (U.S. Navy Veteran) tackle one of the most important issues facing the military community today: veteran suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and support for Gold Star families.

Broadcast live on WJOB 1230 AM, 104.7 FM, and YouTube, this powerful conversation features special guests from across Northwest Indiana who are working to save lives and support military families. Hear inspiring and emotional stories from Jamie Hornickel of The 1441 Foundation, Paul and Deb Rosenwinkel of Indiana Fallen Heroes and the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders, and Heather Rosenwinkel of the Crisis Center and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The discussion explores the realities of veteran suicide, survivor guilt, military grief, community support networks, Gold Star family resources, service dog programs for veterans, and the importance of having difficult conversations about mental health. Guests also share information about local support groups, volunteer opportunities, veteran resources, and how organizations throughout Northwest Indiana are making a difference.

Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, military family member, first responder, or someone looking to support those who have served, this episode delivers hope, resources, and a reminder that no one has to struggle alone.

You don't want to miss this exciting discussion about the upcoming Small Business Administration, "Boots to Business" Entrepreneurial Workshop at PNW, Hammond, IN on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Joining us are Laura Schafsnitz, US Small Business Administration Public Affairs Specialist & Veteran Liaison; Lorri L. Feldt, Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center Regional Director; and Nick Grott, Owner & Pilot-in-Charge, Patriot Aerial Solutions. TO REGISTER: Contact "Boots to Business" Manager Mark Clement at 810-767-8387, mark@vetbizcentral.org

Veterans Amy K., Blythe Potter, Brian Jonasen, Joe Stuteville and Mark Smith join us to sound the alarm on the many dangerous actions of the Trump Administration.