Our story

In 2019 our son, Ricky, joined the United States Army and was stationed just six hours away from home. Being so close, he came home every chance he got, bringing Army brothers with him most the time.

During summer leave in 2020 he brought home a friend named David, known affectionately to us as “Papa”. David immediately became part of our family and fell in love with our small hometown, Oxford, MS. Upon leaving he said Oxford was where he wanted to live after retiring from the military.

Unfortunately not long afterwards David got injured, blowing out several discs in his back. After trying to heal him, the Army medically retired him from service, thus ending his career in the Army and leaving him with chronic pain.

After being discharged from the military David moved back to his home country, Germany. One time while visiting us he told us he was “Just coming to confirm what I already know. Oxford is my new home." After a wonderful time he went back to Germany and prepared for the move to our hometown in America.

In April of 2023 Papa established himself in Oxford. He got a job, bought a car and signed a lease on an apartment, making friends everywhere he went. He faithfully attended doctor's appointments and took his prescribed medications for his chronic pain and severe PTSD. Papa always had a smile on his face, even when you could tell the pain was unbearable. He was happy and thriving in our little town. 

But he hid the mental pain all too well. In September of 2023 our sweet "Papa" attempted to take his own life. Two days later he succumbed to those injuries. 

We were in complete shock. Our world was shattered. Life was forever changed. 

SOS was formed from this devastation in order to help anyone out there who is struggling. 

Suicide is never the answer. It only causes grief and depression to those you are closest to. The world needs you to stay. Your story is not over. Your Life Matters.