An Air Force sergeant killed himself on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

[Zorro]

The note he left is heartbreaking.

Kenneth Omar Santiago’s perfect smile dazzles on social media as he poses in his Air Force uniforms — flight suits to mess dress.

He accepts military awards, travels to far-off places, salsa dances and swims with sharks to oohs and aahs from friends in Lowell, Mass., his hometown.

“He’s got it all,” more than one commented.

Before Veterans Day, he posted a 1,116 word message, his longest yet.

Then, in a green T-shirt with an American flag emblazoned across his chest, the 31-year-old walked to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shot himself.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/military-suicide-veterans-day-santiago/2021/11/11/64d314f6-42f5-11ec-9ea7-3eb2406a2e24_story.html

[dingosatemyusername]

1. paywall keeps me from reading the article

[dchill]

3. Daily Mail has the story (free.)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10182937/Air-Force-member-fatally-shoots-head-Reflecting-Pool-near-Lincoln-Memorial.html

[Skittles]

2. sounds like he was dealing with depression for some time

sounds like the military needs to assure folk they can seek mental health care and not be in fear of losing their clearances, which of course can be an issue in itself

[SCantiGOP]

4. Tragic, and I don't want to speak badly of the dead

Or downplay his mental condition, but if you read the story it sounds like his suicide note was one last shot at his fiancé for breaking up with him, and was designed to make her feel responsible for his death. I just can’t say that this guy left this life with any class, but anytime someone loses or ends their life it is a tragedy.

[MustLoveBeagles]

5. RIP

[WVreaper]

6. A close friend lost two sons

The first died by IED., the second son died by his own hand after returning home. Some of the drugs used to treat PTSD caused severe depression and resulted in over one hundred service member suicides.