Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Support our Troops — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:05:40 GMT

It's because they get no support from the liberals and politicians like when Dirty Harry Reid claims that the war is lost and other politicians portray them a murderers and after they're proven innocent there's no apology. And then Obama comes along and tells the terrorist countries that he's ashamed of his own country and then Obama wants to close Gitmo and treat terrorists like US citizens....etc......SLAP!, SLAP!, SLAP in the face to all the soldiers! How do you liberals EXPECT them to feel????

There - - I saved the government $50M. No research needed. Give it back to the taxpayers so they can spend it and stimulate the economy.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

eagle1776 — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:07:00 GMT

Gee, I wonder why. Fighting an unjust war against people we don't understand and haven't tried to understand with inferior equipment and weapons some due to corruption between government officials and private companies. (no bid contracts) No support for them in the VA system once they return. No wonder they feel they must take their own lives.

Hang in there men, the new Administration cares about you unlike their predecessor and they will help you.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

TheQueenBee! — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:08:28 GMT

More blood on Bush's hands! This is all his fault with his stupid nonsense wars! So Sayeth the Queen Bee!

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

ace — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:08:45 GMT

it's more than that. it is always said how military personel and vets are appreciated. it should be shown by funding better medical care for us. we should be able to go to hospitals any and every where in the u.s. for the best of care, not just military hosp. we see mash units. when we are home we should get the best. we earned that at least. we should have better care for mental and emotional scarring. it shouldn't take months to get that care or be denied because some budget watcher don't thing our symptoms are that important. people who have been in country should be manning those positions. if they haven't seen hostile duty in over 15 years they shouldn't make those decisions anymore because they are likely political by then and less sensitive to our plight unless they have been injured while in service.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Anomaly — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:20:48 GMT

Is that since Obama became president?

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:27:43 GMT

Suicide is now the third leading cause of deaths in the Marine Corps, with hostile actions as the main killer, and accidents as the second most prevalent cause of death.

These men are burned out on the seven year war. The majority of our armed forces were deployed into a region where they weren't needed and we had/have no business there.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:34:55 GMT

Go figure? Multiple deployments to combat zones just do not mix well with the human psyche.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Beverly in Chicago — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:38:19 GMT

Well, I guess so. If I fought a war based on lies, couldn't get the proper equipment, did multiple tours of duty, came home to country I fought for and found it in a dire situation. But, yet the freedom I'm fighting for in that country is falsely mired in political social, religious, as well as American occupation. Plus,the country I return to (my country) has taken my freedom; doesn't provide my family and me work, i can't pay mortgage, I have no healthcare or any social services. What do you expect me to do. My needs are considered to be to generous or pork. I would see divisiveness and greed.
As a consequence, reaching out only results to a tragic end.

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Rush Fan (Sent Wednesday, January 28, 2009 2:19 PM)

Rush Limbaugh is one of the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and prominent political voices in the country. When Clinton thought of co-hosting a political show on CNN in 2000, Rush said Clinton would never stick with it, it was too much of a commitment for Clinton. Rush was right. Clinton quit shortly after. Like him or not, Rush puts the time and effort into learning the issues and developing opinions on those issues. Where others do a 1 hour show per day, Rush does 3 hours.
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Are you kidding? It takes only 3 hrs to memorize the dictionary; which is all is does? He simply is the worst source of information for a ditto head to rely on. A ditto head is only getting a high flouting-vocabulary which makes no sense a skewed talking points from the republican base. Besides, he divisive, racist, homophobic, and stupid amongst other things.
=========================================== C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 28, 2009 2:21 PM) We're talking several years down the road but the tide cannot be stopped unless genocide occurs against the Palestinians. It would behoove Israel to start making plans to share authority and control of the area or find a new location for their country. =====================================
C A Thank you so much for your insight. I appreciate it. I'm so weary that a small group of people causing so many wars. Believe me, I don't expect Utopia.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

James Johns, Houston — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:45:18 GMT

The media has been pulling this stunt for a while now. First it was the number of militray personel that were violent when they returned to the states. Now it's the suicide claim. What the media doesn't show you is that in comparison with non-military people, the miltary personels violent crime and suicide percentages don't differ with the general population.

Just another phony story by our phony media.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Ed, San Antonio — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:56:35 GMT

My heart and soul ache!

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

ya'llsmall — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:57:33 GMT

I can save the Army those millions and offer these explanations for our brave soldiers' desparation..............to serve two-three-four tours in Iraqi hellholes, to be neglected when they return, to be stigmatized because of their extended time out of the workplace, to have been ordered to torture and greivously mistreat their captives, to suffer undiscovered or misdiagnosed afflictions due to poor VA funding, to see the innocent and meek blown and shot to bits, to see no help for their families left behind while gon extended periods of time---------you need any more? A third grader can figure this out AND make a to do list of how to fix it

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Just sayin' — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:10:58 GMT

" The Army says it's working hard to change the military stigma attached to suicide so soldiers can get more help."

maybe it's just me, but wouldn't help be more timely before the suicide? Maybe the stigma is in reporting diminished mental health? Before it turns into a suicide?

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

DMONT LONG BEACH CA — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:12:26 GMT

Really?!!!!....You leave solders and marines in a war zone for years exposing them to horror no civillan can imagine and your shocked that suicide is up?!!!!...Having served in the Marines and Army myself and 2 tours in Iraq.....i can assure you this is not a suprise to me.We literally have Kids of in satans sandbox dieing daily and when you come back people are like oh well back to work...Scars arent always visable....But what do i know in just a Marine

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Joe Sepeda,Early,Texas — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:43:00 GMT

As a former Marine I can only speak for myself but I feel that a total lack of clear goals for our military might be one of the many reasons why suicides are up. When I was in I accepted the fact that I might die protecting my country, my family and my comrades in arms, but to fight and die for nothing, or worse, some politician starting wars without thinking just so Daddy can be proud of him. Marines are trained to kill but to kill for a greater goal than just men killing each other. Everyone on both sides fighting over there knows once the US military leaves things will go back to the way they were. The only difference is that the insurgents would have died for their cause and the Americans would have died in vain.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:49:59 GMT

The military is often a reflection of the larger society from which it comes. It has nothing to do with Liberals or Conservatives exclusively and one should leave politics out of it. "Support Our Troops Sent Wednesday, January 28, 2009 4:05 PM), you have no clue what you are talking about and the majority of troops if not most would be the first to tell you to shut your mouth.

Whether in the military or as a civilian, and as a three tour VN Vet, I can tell you that people must have a purpose. In the military it is called a clear mission. And yes, a sense of self-worth helps as well. Those without purpose or goals whether in the military or as a civilian will suffer depresssion. Depression leads to suicide, especially among the younger people of this country and those we see in the military.

Such depression will be found in the military as in the greater society but two things add to that depression for military personnel. One, long and lengthy tours away from loved ones and two, being out of control of your own safety and well being in unconventional wars or police actions where you never know when, where and who will try to do you harm or kill you. The highs created by walking down the streets in strange and unfamiliar towns where at any second you could be mortally wounded by any person within that population create an excess of mental stress. The highs required to adapt begin to tilt that fragile balance between self preservation and self destruction. Any military person who already was experiencing any type of stress or other emotional trauma, no matter how small, is susceptible to wanting it all to end quickly even if by way of suicide. This will normally occur when the threat is removed or the tropper is removed from the treatening environment yet the trooper stays on that level of high intensity that is required to survive. There is no way down, only a way out.

It has nothing to do with Liberals or Conservatives and frankly, most if not all military personnel in combat can give a sh-- about Liberals or Conservatives. Those in combat are worried only of two things. Keeping their own rears safe and that of their buddies. Period.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

DMONT LONG BEACH CA — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:58:32 GMT

for all you support our troops blame the other politcal party losers shut up as i recall nither party offered up thier children to fight in this war i know let the poor people die for our cuntry well stay here and bicker like little children....there was never any support from the government...and stop with all the only whites fight on the front lines republican BS...my whole unit in the army except maybe 5 people where all minorities....You want to support the troops...JOIN THE MILITARY!!!!!

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:03:12 GMT

James Johns, Houston, I guess all the horrors I have seen that keep me awake at times just aren't there based on your opionion. How in the hell would you know what veterans of wars go through. If your old enough to join then do it, see what hell you go through when you come back.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Sabastian, Tucson, Arizona — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:13:15 GMT

Why are so many people forgetting what is really important here. Men and women who have served our country need help when they come back from Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead of pontificating about how much you hate Bush or any other politician put that energy into helping a vet. YOU should put your energy into supporting organizations like VETS4VETS. This organization is staffed by are Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who are helping others transition to civilian life. They are making a difference. Help them help our heroes instead of looking for someone to be angry at. YOu can go to thier website at www.vets4vets.us to see what you can do.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Patriots all — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:21:18 GMT

when the failures of the Bush admin. are mentioned the list usually includes the deceptive war and the debacle of Katrina. little is said of th Walter Reed scandal. How quickly are forgotten the needs of those giving the 'full measure of devotion' As VP Biden has said the country has no more SACRED duty then to care for our servicemen and women.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

CdV LA CA — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:46:54 GMT

This is heartbreaking news. But more than heartbreaking, we should all be angry as hell at this.

The fact is that we ask so much of our military men and women, or should I say boys and girls. To put young people in an untenable situation for years on end (multiple tours of duty) with inferior resources and tools to get the job done, in a country that doesn't want us there in the first place, fighting a war that cannot be won, is bad enough. But when you add that to the inferior care provided by the VA, no re-socializing benefits, or college hopes due to the lack of the GI bill (Shame on you, McCain, for not voting for this)the stigma on depression and PTSD, and an economy which has over 10% unemployment in many states, what did you expect??

The good news is that unlike the veterans of the Viet Nam war, at least the boys and girls in uniform today know (or I hope they do) that their fellow citizens support and appreciate their selfless service and will not be calling them "baby killers" when they return as so many had to endure in the 60's & 70's.

Our service men and women should be getting everything we can possibly provide: the best health care (physical & emotional,) the opportunity to better themselves in school and the hope of achieving the American Dream and freedoms they are fighting for in the first place.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

schriendog, Colorado Springs, CO — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:16:53 GMT

"The media has been pulling this stunt for a while now. First it was the number of militray personel that were violent when they returned to the states. Now it's the suicide claim. What the media doesn't show you is that in comparison with non-military people, the miltary personels violent crime and suicide percentages don't differ with the general population."

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Living in a military town -- in a state that has one of the highest suicide rates in the union -- it's a small wonder. The military is strapped, and many times, local economies deal with the aftermath. But more depressing still is when the local tax-a-phobes voted down a 1% sales tax increase, the county had to slash its budget. One of the first programs to go -- suicide prevention. In a town like Colorado Springs, this is truly scary. My heart goes out to these kids.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

James,New york — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:10:32 GMT

that what i was wondering about if American soldiers trying to escape from America to Canada they don't get refugee status because of American pressure and Canadian selfishness what else they have option either to kill innocent or die for not killing, i feel sympathy for those who committed suicide no other option left for them just one "to die"

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Judy, Jeronimo Griego, Clovis, NM 88101 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:09:25 GMT

How many of these deaths are really suicides?
Many deaths have been ruled suicides by Military Investigators despite evidence to the contrary and the protest of families. We have had to embark on our own search for the truth due to a lack of quality answers and cooperation from the Military Investigators. We should not have to conduct murder investigations on our own children! We should not have to have our children bodies exhumed and pour over grisly autopsy reports, or have evidence destroyed. All we ask for is justice. Help our Military families and protect our nation, DEMAND that Congress intervene by looking into these cases, not just pump more money into investigations that are bias.
Our son who was 26 years old was found dead in his barracks, only hours after we spoke to him on July 13, 2007, nothing was wrong with him. We, his parents deny that this was self-inflection. The Army has yet to prove that he committed suicide.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

Mrs K — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:09:02 GMT

Does not make me feel all warm and fuzzy sending my 21-year-old off to Iraq next week for the 1st time. Are there any kind of psychological tests done on these guys before they go? Maybe they are troubled before they go over and the experience just exacerbates the situation. Just a thought.

Suicides in U.S. military on rise

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:17:41 GMT

I find this to be heart breaking. I cannot imagine what it's like to be in Iraq. I am so grateful for our soldiers who fight for our freedom.