This week’s podcast features an interview with a mother who lost her veteran son to suicide. Jeaneane Henson works tirelessly to help fight against veteran suicide.
Jeaneane’s son, Daniel Ferguson, had a deep love for the military even as a child. He used to play army games and later pursued his passion by joining the 82nd Airborne after graduating in Political Science from Oklahoma University. He was thrilled about the prospect of parachuting and enjoyed every aspect of being in the military. He was deployed to Afghanistan and was truly living his dream. However, when he wanted to apply to be an officer, a mix-up regarding his eye condition (despite having 20/20 eyesight) prevented him from entering Officer Candidate School. This setback led him to leave the army and struggle to find his purpose. Eventually, he found himself back in Afghanistan working as a government contractor.
In early 2018, Daniel began experiencing excruciating and debilitating blood clots, which prevented him from enjoying activities he once loved, such as working out, playing basketball, hiking, and bodysurfing. Seeking answers, he visited numerous doctors, including hematologists and oncologists, but they could not provide a definitive reason for his condition.
Daniel decided to embark on a two-week journey. When he returned home, he called Jeaneane, and unfortunately, that was their final conversation. On March 17, 2019, Daniel took his own life.
Consumed by grief, Jeaneane sought answers and discovered a community of veterans who struggle to integrate back into civilian life after leaving the military. This revelation led her to establish the Daniel Ferguson Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering camaraderie and promoting mental and physical fitness within the veteran community. The foundation also extends its support to active military personnel and first responders, given the high-stress nature of their careers and the alarming suicide rates among these groups.
Despite the tragedy of losing her beloved son, Jeaneane has found a new purpose and goal in life.
Key takeaways from the discussion include:
🔹Every adversity presents an opportunity.
🔹The importance of helping veterans and preventing suicide.
🔹The significance of hiring veterans in your gym or business.
🔹Encouraging individuals who are struggling to reach out, mentioning the 988 suicide hotline.
🔹 The importance of listening to veterans without judgment, comment, or an immediate solution.
🔹 Never forgetting to honor and remember our veterans who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
To connect with Jeaneane Henson:
For more episodes of the Overcomer’s Podcast, visit our website at overcomerspodcast.com or listen to all of our episodes on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
For more episodes of the Overcomer’s Podcast, visit our website at overcomerspodcast.com or listen to all of our episodes on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Timestamps:
1:01 – 4:13: Jeaneane shared Daniel’s love for the military, his fulfillment of his dream, and his subsequent departure from the military.
4:20 – 8:40: Jeaneane recounted how Daniel returned to Afghanistan after leaving the military and eventually became ill before tragically taking his own life.
10:05 – 15:32: Jeaneane described her search for help and support following the devastating loss of her son.
19:47 – 23:20: Jeaneane discussed the establishment of the foundation and her efforts to assist veterans.
32:11 – 32:41: Jeaneane shared insights on preventing veteran suicide.
Thank you for your interest in the Overcomer’s Podcast, and we hope these episodes provide valuable insights and support for our listeners.