An Open Letter to Secretary Hegseth
"I'm Sorry for What You're About to See": A Mother’s Call for Accountability in Military Suicide Crisis
Dear Secretary Hegseth:
My name is Teri Caserta, and I am the proud mother of Aviation Electrician's Mate Third Class (AE3) Brandon Caserta. On June 25, 2018, my son died by suicide in a manner that sent a heartbreaking and clear message to his command and to the entire Armed Forces.
Brandon stepped onto his command's flight line at Naval Station Norfolk, turned to a ground crew captain, and said, "I'm sorry for what you're about to see." Moments later, he ran into the spinning tail rotor of an MH-60S helicopter, ending his life. He was not part of the flight crew, yet no one intervened.
Mr. Secretary, I respectfully ask for the opportunity to sit down with you alongside my husband, Patrick. We would like to share Brandon's story and shed light on the daily struggles service members face that are too often hidden from view. We believe you have the power to help change the course of these issues, and we want to help you do just that.
Brandon was assigned to Helicopter Sea Co…
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