‘I Almost Died By Suicide!’

’10 of My Marines Died by Suicide’ — Jeff Gonzalez

INDIO — Despite his charming, good looks and 1,000-watt smile, there was a time about a decade ago when Marine Combat Veteran Jeff Gonzalez contemplated dying by suicide.

Gonzalez, the Republican candidate for State Assembly District 36, had just returned from his fourth combat deployment circa 2013 and was stationed at Twentynine Palms as a War Tactics Instructor for senior level leaders.

“It seemed like every day we were receiving news of another suicide,” Gonzalez told Uken Report. “Another brother succumbed to the invisible wounds. Thoughts of suicide snuck up on me, like a shadow in an alley. I felt shame, guilt, and confusion because of the stigma associated with these thoughts. Thankfully, (my) thread of faith, which I clung to, led me to seek help.”

Moreover, Gonzalez said, it helped him recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts in others.

“I thank God for giving me the eyes to see the signs in others, and the empathy to listen,” Gonzalez said. “I also thank the therapist who gave me the tools to fight for myself and for my brothers and sisters in arms. I’m thankful for going through this. I had to go through the mud to get to the miracle!”

After graduating high school, Gonzalez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where his service took him overseas to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gonzalez also completed multiple missions protecting U.S. embassies in Honduras and the Czech Republic.

“Ten of my Marines died by suicide. I almost died by suicide!” Gonzalez said.

So, why bring this up now in the midst of an election campaign?

“Why am I doing this? Because I have to!” Gonzalez exclaimed. “Twenty-two of my brothers and sisters die by suicide daily.”

Gonzalez is organizing a team to participate in the inaugural 2024 Veterans 22K Walk on Saturday, April 13. The event is hosted by the Cathedral City Evening Rotary. The event is aimed at highlighting the rate of suicide among Veterans.

This event will take place at, and around the perimeter of the Dennis Keat Soccer Park, north of 30th Avenue. The event, consisting of approximately 100 to 200 walkers, will start at 7 a.m. and should conclude in the early afternoon, approximately 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

If you would like to walk with Gonzalez, email him at Admin@gonzalez4assembly.com.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

For more information, call (760) 272-6997 or email Invisible22Wounds@gmail.com; or Mitch at (760) 832-1191 or email him at rotarymitch@gmail.com.