PEORIA, Ariz. — Reporter note: The information and content in this story is graphic and may be hard to watch and read for some.
21-year-old Brandon Caserta killed himself while he was in the Navy after experiencing severe harassment, assault and bullying.
Now his family is honoring him by helping other military members who struggle with mental health. The Killeen community is hoping to honor his legacy too by adding a mural of him off the post of Fort Cavazos.
June 25, 2018 is when the Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class took his life. Brandon was in front of his command and flight line at the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia.
First, he warned fellow service members. Then, tried jumping into a helicopter tail rotor, missed and did it again. All without anyone trying to stop him.
"They didn't even care that the kid died," his father, Patrick Caserta said.
His father, a 22-year retired Navy Senior Chief, called the command about his well-being, but Brandon was just retaliated against.
"You have all these safeguards in place," Patrick said. "These safeguards are not what you think they are. These people are predators, and they can outdo you every step."
The pain is familiar for many military families.
On 'The Brandon Act' website the following information is written:
Suicide rates have been increasing among members of the military and veterans alike. An annual DOD report, released in September, showed rates for active duty service members alone went from 20.3 suicides per 100,000 members in 2015 to 28.7 in 2020, with increases across all branches. That compares with a national suicide rate of 13.5 in 2020.
Last year, 580 service members died by suicide – 384 active duty members, 77 reservists and 119 National Guard members. Military members who take their own lives are largely men younger than 30.
The DOD report cites a number of risk factors, including relationship and financial problems, ineffective coping skills, access to lethal means of injury and reluctance to seek help.
Military research finds that up to 70% of service members with mental health symptoms do not seek treatment, and 35% have reported that they worry seeking help would negatively impact their careers.
This is what drove the Caserta family to write 'The Brandon Act.' It's designed to protect the mental health and well-being of our military forces confidentially.
"Brandon's story saves lives," his father added. "That's why it's unique."
His family is honoring his final wish, and that's too help others before it's too late.
"Mom's have called me and they tell me their service members have invoked 'The Brandon Act' and that is the only reason why they are alive today," his mother, Teri Caserta said. "So it is working. It is working."
While Brandon isn't physically here today, his legacy service and impact continues to shine throughout the nation.
"He sacrificed himself to save others," Patrick said. "He brought attention to what was going on to save others and he says in his letter, I hope things are better already."
In his honor, the Central Texas community is painting a mural off post in Killeen, right behind Vanessa's Guillen's mural.
LULAC tells 6 News they hope to have the mural finished by June 25, when Brandon passed away. They need help raising the funds to do so.
You can donate to their GoFundMe by clicking the link here.
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