A Tayside woman who recently lost her son in tragic circumstances is determined that no other mother will have to suffer the same ”inconsolable grief.”
June Black, of Rattray, has vowed that lessons must be learned from the suicide of her 22-year-old son Aaron. She wants much more done to help former soldiers re-adjust to life outside of the forces.
Inspired by ”army mums,” who rallied round in her darkest hour, Mrs Black (54) has decided to devote her energies to charities that support veterans who suffer stress after leaving service life.
It was shortly before Christmas that, haunted by memories of Afghanistan and the deaths of friends, Black Watch veteran Aaron surrounded himself with treasured photographs, his army medals and a crucifix and sent a last text message to his mother before taking his own life.
Over the past few difficult weeks, Mrs Black has come to the conclusion that, if Aaron’s death is to mean anything, she must throw her support behind charities tackling the very issues she believes led to her son’s death.
”I am being supported by some army mums who have lost their sons and who fight tirelessly in many ways for our serving soldiers and veterans,” she said. ”These mums are an inspiration I want to join them. It gives me a purpose and maybe something positive can come out of my son’s death.
”I’ve heard of one organisation who are trying to open a rehab and resettlement centre for troops and veterans of all generations sufffering post traumatic stress disorder. They intend to give veterans a permanent address and already have colleges and businesses offering to get involved in retraining for a career in civvy street.
”It’s early days for me I’m still overwhelmed with grief some days; other days like today I feel so strong.
”If there are any other projects in Scotland that read this and who may benefit even from me telling Aaron’s story, or wish me to raise funds, then please contact me on Facebook (link) by personal message.”
In the weeks since the former Blairgowrie High School pupil’s death, she has relived her son’s torments.
”He was affected by Afghanistan nightmares, flashbacks and he hated loud bangs,” she said. ”I now know as well he must have suffered from depression. I did not appreciate that he was good at hiding things.
”I thought if you had seen death in battle you could do a CV that would be easy. But the army had done everything for them I did not appreciate the problems of re-adjustment.”
Mrs Black, who works for the HMRC in Dundee, said that if she could turn back the clock she would do things differently.
”With hindsight, and putting all the pieces of the jigsaw together, you can see Aaron was struggling,” she said. ”I don’t know what tipped him perhaps we will never know.”
Sustained by her Christian faith, Mrs Black says she has ”made it her mission” to make sure the proper support is available for veterans. As well as making sure every detail is available for the inquiry into her son’s death, she is keen to see that GPs are better educated to support the unique physical, psychological and social needs of veterans and is determined that the military covenant which was whole-heartedly supported by the Prime Minister provides the support promised for ex-servicemen and women.
Mrs Black also feels the system of assisting former soldiers into work failed her son, with delays around learning credits dashing his dreams of getting on courses which might have eased him into well-paid, marine security work.