Suicide rate among active-duty Marines at an all-time high

The suicide rate among active-duty Marines is at a ten-year high in 2018 and it’s an issue that the Marine Corps Air Station is working hard to address.

In 2018, there were 68 active duty Navy personnel died by suicide with 57 cases among the Marine Corps, according to data released by Marine Corps General, Robert Neller.

Sgt. Gianni Capasso is among the thousands of Marines at MCAS in Yuma. He left his hometown of Las Vegas to pursue his dream of serving his country.

“I knew I had could do better, I didn’t like the financial situation I was in when I was living in Vegas and I was hopping from one job to another and I wasn’t stable,” said Sgt. Capasso.

But being more than 200 miles away from his family and friends was just one obstacle Capasso was struggling to overcome.

“I was a brand new private first class at the time, I had just gotten to the Fleet Marine Course. I had non-commissioned officers above me that I felt didn’t have my best interest in mind and felt bullied to a certain extent,” said Sgt. Capasso.

This led Capasso to feel alone in an area he wasn’t familiar with.

“I started having suicidal ideations, but I was afraid to come forward,” said Sgt. Capasso.

Capasso’s message to those in combat is to never give up and ask for help.

“To all the Marines, the sailors, to the airmen, to the soldiers, to the coastguards, if you’re hurting inside go seek help. Even if it’s looking to your right and left to your brothers and sisters in arms just saying I need help know that we care and we want to see you tomorrow,” said Sgt. Capasso.

If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can call the MCAS Yuma Clinic at (928) 269- 2700 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.