Lesley and David: A Story of Love, Loss, and Advocacy
David Ricker served eight commendable years in the United States Army, completing four tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Honduras. As a dedicated parachute rigger and Sergeant, he was deeply committed to his service.
“Don’t hesitate—reach out for help and connect your loved one with vital services like SHARE. Educate yourself on the warning signs of PTSD and TBI to be prepared and proactive in their journey to healing.”
Lesley Lynn, David’s fiancé
Despite the strong bonds he formed with fellow service members, David, like many veterans, faced challenges transitioning back to civilian life, carrying with him the invisible scars of his service.
In 2013, Lesley Lynn and David’s paths serendipitously crossed in Tampa through a dating app, leading to an immediate and profound connection. Lesley fondly remembers David as someone who could “make friends with anyone, even talk to a wall.” Their love flourished amidst cherished family dinners and shared adventures, painting a picture of a relationship filled with warmth and companionship.
As their relationship deepened, Lesley began to notice subtle signs of David’s internal struggles. His aversion to crowds, instances of panic attacks, and night terrors were initially dismissed, stemming from her lack of understanding about PTSD and TBI. Reflecting on this, Lesley admits, “I was ignorant to PTSD before this,” highlighting the widespread lack of awareness surrounding the mental health issues veterans face.
The unexpected loss of David to suicide in 2015 was a seismic event that shook Lesley’s world. “It was completely out of character,” she recalls, describing the day as surreal and traumatic. Despite efforts to reach out to family and authorities, they were unable to prevent the tragedy. Lesley believes David had hidden much of his struggle.
This experience transformed Lesley into a passionate advocate for mental health support for veterans. She underscores the significance of programs like the SHARE Military Initiative, which rely solely on donations and provide crucial support at no cost to families. Lesley firmly believes, “If David had known about SHARE, he might still be alive today,” underscoring the potential of such programs to save lives.
Driven by the hope that no other family endures similar pain, Lesley has shared her story to raise awareness and funds. “If I can prevent another family from going through what we went through, I will do it in a heartbeat,” she says, determined to make a difference.
Her journey, filled with love, loss, and resilience, reveals the profound impact of David’s life and underscores why initiatives like SHARE are vital in preventing similar tragedies and supporting veterans grappling with mental health challenges. “In a sea of darkness, the bright light is using my experiences to support others,” Lesley reflects, embracing her role as a beacon of hope for those in need.
Lesley’s unwavering dedication and advocacy have been invaluable to Shepherd’s Men. Her courage in sharing her and David’s story has raised awareness and inspired many veterans to seek the help they need. By opening up about her journey, Lesley helps ensure David’s legacy lives on, potentially saving the lives of others who face similar struggles.