Health · Mental Health · 1 hr ago
Army Veteran Heard a Military Command While Running Toward an Overpass
Army veteran Jeremy Hurtt ran toward an overpass in Benton, Arkansas, in 2014 with the intention of ending his life.
He was 34, had no home or car, and was relying on a friend for a place to sleep.
After returning from a 15-month Iraq deployment, he had become withdrawn and depressed, though he had not previously seriously considered hurting himself.
As he neared the overpass, he thought about the harm his death could cause a driver below.
He then heard “Charlie-Mike,” a military command meaning “Continue the Mission” that he had followed while serving in Iraq.
The account describes the command as a call to move forward in the face of adversity, but does not say what Hurtt did next.
His experience highlights the serious distress he faced after returning from war, alongside the financial hardship he was living with.
Army veteran Jeremy Hurtt ran toward an overpass in Benton, Arkansas, in 2014, intending to end his life.
As he neared the overpass, he heard the military command “Charlie-Mike,” meaning “Continue the Mission.”
Hurtt had been struggling with money, housing and depression after returning from a deployment in Iraq.
He was 34 and staying with a friend, sleeping on a cold floor.
- Who
- Jeremy Hurtt, an Army veteran.
- What
- He ran toward an overpass intending to end his life, then heard the military command “Charlie-Mike.
- When
- A winter morning in 2014.
- Where
- An overpass above an interstate in Benton, Arkansas.
- Why
- He was overwhelmed by financial hardship, unstable housing and painful memories.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hurtt finished a deployment in Iraq.
Hurtt ran toward an overpass in Benton, Arkansas, intending to end his life, and heard the command “Charlie-Mike.
- Age
- 34
- Location
- Benton, Arkansas
- Year of run
- 2014
- Military command
- Charlie-Mike, meaning “Continue the Mission
- Iraq deployment
- 15 months during the 2006–2008 surge
What people are saying
There’s something that happens in a run where, like, I have breakthroughs and insight.
He was no longer good-time Jeremy. He was withdrawn, reclusive.