(Las Vegas, Nevada) … Drawing on his musical abilities, retired Army Purple Heart combat veteran, free-lance journalist and broadcaster Chuck N. Baker has assumed the mantle of attempting to help stem the current tide of veterans and military personnel (as well as civilians), taking their own lives. He has written and recorded a song with the title of the three-digit toll-free telephone number that can be called for help — “988.” Anyone thinking about committing suicide, or any individual who knows of someone considering suicide and who wants professional help to stop it are encouraged to call that number. The song contains the lyric, “Don’t do it, call 988!” Baker wrote and sings the song, on a recording he has released on the Very Interesting LLC record label.

“I am urging President Biden, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as well as other elected and appointed officials to place the song in government-sponsored commercials on television, radio and social media. The original idea behind the three-digit phone number is great. But I feel we need to do much more to get the word out. The song is one way to make it happen.

“I’ve mailed recordings of the song to President Joe Biden and to select members of the cabinet, as well as to many elected officials and others in the federal government. I’ve also sent copies to notable civilians who are involved in working to reduce suicides,” Baker added. “If the song could save even one life, it would be worth it. But of course it’s my sincere and honest hope that playing the song will begin with saving that one life, and then go on to save many more lives.”

Chuck N. Baker served in the U.S. Army. Initially assigned special duty Stateside as an Army public information specialist, he later was sent into the green, humid jungle as a combat soldier. Promoted to the rank of Specialist E-4, and later wounded by an enemy hand grenade, he was awarded a Purple Heart and sent home to recover. As a civilian he forged a successful career as a journalist, author, radio & TV broadcaster and documentary filmmaker, often writing about veterans and military issues. On occasion he also composes and produces popular music. “988” is his latest, and his most important, musical statement.

The song is featured on YouTube. Baker is backed on the recording by local musicians known as the Cryonics Band. # # #