Gold Star Mother Karen Mojecki on ASIST Suicide Prevention and losing her son Major Wesley J. Hinkley

Host Jennie Taylor met Karen Mojecki as they both participated in the Army’s, “Survivor Advisory Working Group.” Jennie as a Gold Star Widow and Karen as a Gold Star Mother, having lost a husband and son, respectively. As the group strives to address issues of surviving military family members, Karen has focused on military mental health and suicide prevention. Her son, Major Wesley J. Hinkley, completed suicide on April 4, 2011, while serving in the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq.

Karen shares his story, the lessons she has learned and taught from LivingWorks ASIST suicide first aid program, and finding meaning in helping others suffering from suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you are a military veteran,  press 1 so you can talk to another veteran. 

Even though we live in challenging times, we can become Relentlessly Resilient as we lean on and learn from one another’s experiences. Hosts Jennie Taylor and Michelle Scharf are no strangers to overcoming adversity; Michelle lost her husband to cancer, while Jennie’s husband, Major Brent Taylor, was killed in the service of our country. Their stories bond them together, and now listeners can join them weekly as they visit with others enduring challenges and who teach us how they are exercising resiliency, finding value in their grief, and purpose in moving forward. 

Presented by Minky Couture, makers of the most luxurious and soft blankets with a mission to share comfort and love during the special moments of life.

Listen to the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast regularly on your favorite platform, at kslpodcasts.com, kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL NewsRadio App. Join the Resilience conversation on Facebook at @RelentlesslyResilient and Instagram @RelentlesslyResilientPodcast. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.