Highest Army Suicide Rate in 26 Years

Paul Rieckhoff
Posted August 16, 2007 06:31 PM (EST)

Read More: Iraq, Afghanistan, United States, Washington, Persian Gulf, The Pentagon, James Joyner, Jimmy Carter, Vietnam, US Department of Defense , Breaking Politics News

I've talked before about troops' and veterans' suicides and the looming mental health crisis facing those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers in today's new military report are a bleak reminder that this problem isn't going away.

In fact, it is growing. According to the Army Suicide Event Report (ASER), 2006 marks the highest rate of military suicides in 26 years, and more than a quarter of those troops killed themselves while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. A total of ninety-nine U.S. soldiers killed themselves last year.

This new report only confirms what we veterans have been saying for years:
Our troops are facing serious mental health problems, and they aren't getting the treatment they need. At least one-in-three Iraq veterans and one-in-nine Afghanistan veterans will face a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). About 25% of those who committed suicide had "a history of at least one psychiatric disorder."

Longer, repeated tours are increasing the risks. Soldiers and Marines who have deployed to Iraq more than once have a 50% higher rate of combat stress. This new study reports that suicide is closely linked to long combat deployments, and that multiple deployments may also be a risk factor.

The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs aren't ready to cope with the problem. 90% of military psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers reported no formal training or supervision in the recommended PTSD therapies, and there is a general shortage of trained mental health professionals in the military. And even VA officials have admitted that waiting lists render mental health and substance abuse care "virtually inaccessible."

And this report does not even include the unknown number of military personnel that have committed suicide after they have left the military's payrolls. People like CPL Jefferey Lucey are not even counted in this report. The number of veterans in that category is not even counted by the military or the VA--and is probably much higher.

Anyone who remembers the post-Vietnam era knows that these numbers, scary as they are, are just the tip of the iceberg. But we can learn from history, and we can prevent another generation of veterans from suffering as the Vietnam generation did.

The president knows what must be done. The recent report from the Dole-Shalala Commission laid it all out for him. The Commission delivered six clear recommendations that should be implemented immediately. There should be no more excuses.

Every day that the president delays, more troops will die as a result of a flawed military and veterans healthcare system.

This report shows us all that mental health care is literally a matter of life and death. If ninety-nine troops died in 2006 as the result of a new enemy mortar or roadside bomb, congress and the president would be rushing to find a new vehicle or piece of armor to deal with the problem. But for some reason, mental health related deaths are pushed off as something Congress and the president can get to later--after their summer vacations.

When Congress is back in session in September, IAVA will be out in front to ensure that new legislation is passed to get troops and veterans the counseling and treatment they need. We'll need to act fast to get legislation passed before the end of the year - and we'll need your help. Our troops are dying, and we need to do something about it.
Even if the president won't.

http://www2.iava.org/signUp.jsp?key=310

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-rieckhoff
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The Personal Impact Of War

December 12, 2007

A Review of "I Can Still Hear their Cries, Even In My Sleep"

Rated by Marc Leepson (Loudoun County, Virginia, USA)
Book Reviewer Vietnam Veterans of America Magazine


"This book shows starkly that the impact of a war does not end when the shooting stops. This was especially true among the 2.8 million Americans who took part in the Vietnam War, only to come home to a nation that was bitterly divided over the war. The nation as a whole (including the VA, the Congress and the old line veterans' organizations) treated Vietnam veterans shamefully, blaming them for the war and making the adjustment to coming home even more difficult.

Those facts are rendered starkly in this moving book that describes one man's difficult readjustment after serving in the Vietnam War. Doc McFall saw war at its worst during his year in Vietnam. His story is deeply moving and one that should be widely read."

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"A RAW Education on the Effects of PTSD !"
Anna Turner, Family Historian

The Author Slowly Educates the reader on the Mental Conflicts that come with the day to day stresses of being in a war zone. His words produce vividly painted pictures that enable you to understand what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is.

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep,...A Journey into PTSD! It Entertains and Informs. Its an easy read,a Natural Page Turner. Ideal for ALL RETURNING VETERANS and THEIR FAMILIES !!!

Thank You "Doc" E. Everett McFall. His story is deeply moving and one that should be widely read.''
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Archived on Http://InternetVoicesRadio.Com

The Valley of Despair, aka PTSD

(c) 2007 E. Everett McFall

During one of my depressing low ebb tide moments I wrote:
“Death is my best buddy, my constant companion, my thoughts, the memories, the flashbacks.

As I dwell in the recesses of the valley of despair, by choice, I have slumbered in the dark caverns of depression, hiding, withdrawn from reality, seeking pity and reparations because I had internalized that the world owed me something.

Steeped in alcohol and drugs and confined within my self-induced, self-fulfilling prophetic hellish condition and saturated with a constant illusion of hopelessness, I sought to end the anguish, the frustration, the mental torment. My thoughts were focused on freeing my suffering tormented soul by taking own life. Why? Because I felt that my wretched life had no positive direction, no meaning or purpose.



So I kissed steel, and suckled on a cold blue tube, waiting, anticipating and preparing to welcome the unforgiving flaming messengers of death. My gun barrel became a lollipop without a sugar coating or a fruit flavored topping; it was however, just an obedient servant poised to release its power and deadly force. The trigger reluctantly maneuvered with resistance as I anticipated the explosive deadly projectile invading my body, searing and burning as it traveled upward to my brain.

Again, ‘Time Stood Still’ as my life flashed by and replayed within my mind. My mind was weak, my spirit was muddled, my odor challenged body was soaked with alcohol and perspiration, my hands shook as the gun barrel irritated my tongue, forcing me to gag. As I withdrew the four inch 357 Colt Python revolver from my mouth, my tongue managed to ‘French’ the barrel tip momentarily as it exited.

My heart attempted to escape from it’s imprisoned cage, and the ringing in my ears became almost deafening. So I slowly repositioned the 357 directly under my chin and angled it backwards for maximum penetration and effectiveness. Agonizing thoughts intruded as I blinked my moistened eyes in an effort to continue without succumbing to my fear. Knowing that some gun shot head wounds liquefy the contact area into chunks and/or a bloody, flakey, oatmeal type paste, I didn’t want to think too long about pulling that trigger.

So I smiled, as I had visions of others cleaning up the chunks of my brain and the massive pool of jellied congealed blood.” HA – HA HA –HA aaah. How morbid is that? I snickered. My head throbbed, my soul was in pain. Then I bowed my head and called out for help.

A Plea From the Valley
O my God, I seek refuse in you Father
Against Satin the devil, spawn of evil.
O Lord of the worlds, I call unto thee
For guidance and discerning wisdom.

Father protect me from harm, as only
You can, from the enemy within & without.
Devine Creator; please grant unto me health,
Peace of mind, happiness and prosperity.

Most Merciful, Most Beneficent God, Lord
Bless me with enduring strength as I struggle
To find my way back to sanity and salvation
Within All your Books, and from Geneses to Revelation.
Thank You, Thank you Lord for giving me one more day. . .

Feedback wanted!!

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Let Freedom Ring

America , America so beautiful, from sea to shinning sea!

We fully support and are truly "Thankful and Grateful" for our troops on the fields of battle.

Having once worn the uniform and left a deposit of blood on a foreign soil, I know what it means to hear a friendly word of gratitude form the folks back home.

So take a moment to reflect in retrospect, upon those who defend our Freedom.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU, Past, Present and Future!!!


Turn your speakers up as you "Click Here...."
(c) Jacquie Lawson 2007



Doc E. Everett McFall USN/USMC Corpsman
Vietnam, Class of 1966-1967

(Thanks "Doc" Ken Coleman)

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E. Everett McFall's Book Demands Attention!

McFall's Book Demands Attention!
by Glenda Bixler
December 04, 2007 04:55 PM EST

I Can Still Hear Their Cries: Even In My Sleep!
By E. Everett McFall


I’ve just finished reading a short book by E. Everett McFall—short in volume but not short in message! I Can Still Hear Their Cries: Even in My Sleep is a very personal story. If you read nothing else, but the two pages, “The Valley of Despair, aka PTSD,” you will come face to face with a man’s deepest despair! “So I kissed steel and suckled on a cold blue tube, waiting, anticipating and preparing to welcome the unforgiving flaming messengers of death.” (p. 37)

When you have considered suicide, as Everett McFall has, you may realize that there is only one solution and bow your head to call out for help, “Bless me with enduring strength as I struggle to find my way back to sanity...” (p. 38)
This is a portion of Everett’s personal walk through the valley of despair and depression called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He never knew what he would face when, prior to joining the service, he believed as some others that, “a man ain’t a real man until he’s been tested under fire in combat.” (p. 1)


Unfortunately, the war at that time was the one in Vietnam—the longest war ever and the one that many refuse to discuss! Those who do, like Everett, are selective because “most of us have locked those traumatic events deep within the recesses of our minds for safe-keeping and well-being, OUR OWN.” (p. 40) Even as he says this, he mentions that his novel, ''Dancing with Death—All Gave Some, Some Gave All'', reveals much more, but not all—he can’t tell it all!

Indeed, I am not sure that any caring individual is ready to know all that takes place when a loved one is sent into war. However, as with most of us, we do need to share with others and Everett has written or gathered from friends many beautiful but relevant poems that reflect upon the Vietnam War. One of the most heartbreaking is one in which he writes, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you” to beloved members of his family who died while he was overseas. (p. 5)

I think the ones that struck me the hardest were related to the title of this book. “I Can Still Heard Their Cries” speaks out of the horrors of so much death that comes into his dreams—nightmares—at night! “Little Tiny Faces” talks about the children ravaged by the war. Then there is “Purple Heart,” which expresses how the wounds for which they gave him the ribbon are now long healed... “except the scars in my mind called PTSD.” (p. 15)

The concluding message, however, struck me from a totally different perspective. Everett McFall is writing to his sons, his brothers, his friends’ children and he’s saying “Gang Bangers that wage war...are like young children playing nursery games...” He wants them to realize that life and death is not a game and he wants them to realize that before they find themselves caught in a war where losing your life is a second-by-second probability.

The author has also provided an excellent Veterans Resource Guide and Directory as the last part of his book. While this book may not be for everybody, it is definitely a must-read for individuals that may or have been affected through a war, PTSD or other disability directly attributable to participation in the military service.


Thank you, Everett McFall, for opening your wounds and your heart and allowing us to share them with you! God Bless you and your family!

Glenda Bixler
IP Book Reviewer

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Are They Really Supporting the Troops?

Reformer.com

Saturday, December 1
For all the talk about "supporting the troops" that we hear from the Bush administration, we keep seeing more and more evidence that the men and women who serve in the military are nothing more than campaign props to be trotted out whenever convenient.
A few stories from the past couple of weeks illustrate this:

* The Pentagon has been offering huge bonuses, up to $20,000 in some cases, to get service members to re-enlist. But there is one big catch. If you are seriously wounded and unable to complete your term of service, the Defense Department requires you to pay back a pro-rated amount of the bonus.

So if you've lost a limb or two, or your eyesight and hearing, or suffer from a traumatic brain injury and can no longer serve, the Pentagon will be at your door, looking for its money.
Apparently, wounded veterans, many of whom have no money, are being dunned by the government because of a policy that makes no sense and has no heart. Thanks Mr. President!

* The Veterans Administration remains overwhelmed by the demands of taking care of hundreds of thousands of new veterans. Despite the attention focused this spring on the deficiencies of the military's medical system, little has changed. According to the VA, it takes an average of 183 days to process a claim, and the backlog of pending claims to be processed is more than 391,000. Staff shortages plague the VA system and there seems to be little chance there will be more money and manpower available to remedy the problem.

* CBS News recently contacted the governments of all 50 states requesting official records of death by suicide going back 12 years. They heard from 45 states, and sifted through the information to find how many Americans who served in the military have taken their own lives. They found that in 2005 alone, more than 6,200 veterans committed suicide. That's an average of about 120 a week, or 17 a day.

It's not just people who've just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan. Veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam are also taking their lives.
Since post traumatic stress injuries can sometimes takes decades to manifest themselves, the stories and images from our current wars are awakening traumas from past wars.
The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't track this data. Neither does the Defense Department. Both deny there is an epidemic. Despite figures showing that more than 20 percent of active duty soldiers and more than 40 percent of reservists are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan with serious mental health issues, the military is doing little to help these men and women.

* According to the VA, one in three homeless Americans -- about 200,000 in all -- are veterans. And the U.S. Justice Department estimates that about 12 percent of the seven million people in the nation's corrections system -- either in prison, parole or probation -- have served in the military.
Taken together, these snapshots of how our veterans are being treated shows us just how high a physical and mental toll they have paid. It also shows us how little medical and financial assistance is available to them. It also shows how "support the troops" have become the most hollow words in the modern political lexicon.

The social burden of this war is being carried by a small part of our population. Unless a member of the family is in the service, most Americans are untouched by what is becoming a growing crisis in this country. Quite simply, our military is stretched to the breaking point, and our leaders don't seem to care that there are men and women being crushed by the burdens of this war.
The next time you hear any politician say that they support the troops, ask them what have they have done to ensure that the VA gets enough money to deal with the flood of new patients. Ask them what they've done to help veterans get the mental health treatment they need. Ask them what they've done to keep the Pentagon from trying to pick the pockets of wounded veterans. Ask them what they've done to fund programs to help combat veterans readjust to civilian life.

Until we see Congress and the White House take action on these issues and end the shameful treatment of the men and women who gave their all for the country, all talk about supporting the troops is just that -- talk.

"A teenage US Marine Corps Corpsman left the U.S. for a tour in Southeast Asia in 1966 with dreams and goals of someday becoming a doctor. Those 364 days in Vietnam forever changed his life as well as those whom he would come in contact with. Forty years later, at age sixty one, he is still fighting through depression, nightmares, and recurring flashbacks with intrusive thoughts- known as PTSD. "

Writing his first two books has given E. Everett McFall rays of hope, as he continues to struggle with his inner demons that he painfully relates, "I can still hear their cries, even in my sleep."

www.outskirtspress.com/1432704575

The Poetry Review....., Disabled Veterans, Military, Poets and Writers, Retired And Former Military, The Open Journal, The Writers Cove, The writers' Guild, Veterans Party

While Giving Thanks...Consider This!!!

Why is this administration persecuting these valiant warriors?

The Pentagon has sent out thousands of Collection Notices recently to mutilated, maimed, and psychologically traumatized Iraq War Veterans. Why would they do this, you might ask. It is because these soldiers had the misfortune of not being able to complete their tours in Iraq because of traumatic wounds received there, and the Pentagon thinks they should return all or at least a portion of their Enlistment Signing Bonuses due to Non-Completion of Iraq Tour of Duty.

Why does this NOT surprise me? Think about this while enjoying Thanksgiving with the knowledge that civilian operatives like members of Blackwater are receiving 10 times what our troops receive in monetary compensation.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who have suffered so much in this stupid war of opportunity.

Let's see...under ChimpyMcFlightSuit's reign co-payments for prescriptions at VA Hospitals have doubled (I think that's called a back door or hidden tax the general public is NOT aware of), Virtually nothing has been done at Walter Reed (out of sight, out of mind!), billions are being paid to mercenaries, and now this! At the same time Chimpy is asking for MORE money...

NOBODY in our Congress is asking, What the hell happened to the money we've already given you! NOBODY is holding this administration accountable for ANYTHING!
Spartan (When stupidity is considered patriotism, it is unsafe to be intelligent)*, Nov 21, 2007, 7:47pm EST

The shrinking military has had to offer reenlistment bonuses to retain troops. Those bonuses can run from 20,000 to well over 100,000 for senior enlisted Special Forces. Those who are injured, wounded or suffer psychological symptoms that make them ineligible for active duty receive invoices to repay the government on a prorated scale depending on how much time they had left to serve. For all its support the troops rhetoric, and a miniature American flag (made in China) stuck in every jacket lapel, Washington does not give a damn about GIs or funding anything beyond a phony war on terrorism.
Ron B., Nov 21, 2007, 7:49pm ES

From the Washington Post:"The underlying problem is an antiquated computer system for paying and tracking members of the military. Pay records are not integrated with personnel records, creating numerous errors. When soldiers leave the battlefield, for example, they lose a pay differential, but the system can take time to lower their pay.The government then tries to recoup over payments, docking pay for active-duty troops and sending debt notices to those who have left the military. Eventually, the government sends private agencies to collect debts and notifies credit bureaus.The computer system is so broken that 400 soldiers killed in action were listed as owing money to the government, although no debt notices were sent, the report said.

A total of $1.5 million in debts has been linked to the 400 fallen soldiers and 900 wounded troops. Of the total, $124,000 has been repaid. The government has waived $959,000, and the remainder of $420,000 is still owed."
Debra W, Nov 21, 2007, 7:49pm EST

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Survivor’s Guilt

(c) 2007 E. Everett McFall


LORD, What Did I Do To Deserve To Survive?

Why Am I Still Here? Am I Worthy LORD?

I was instructed to try to re-assemble the dismembered body parts collected in the two rows of newly arrived “bloated body bags” lying on the ground. After about 90 minutes of intense humid heat, blood, other body fluids and the smells of decaying flesh, my team had put the remains of (8) Men together as humanely as possible.

It felt like trying to assemble a human puzzle, only these pieces were from fallen fellow Americans, humans, that were once full of LIFE, breathing, walking, talking, and doing the same things that I had done. Most were, as best as I could tell, my age or a little older. War is a youthful activity.

Today, forty years later, I’m still constantly overwhelmed by thoughts of whether or not I put the right head with the right body parts. These recurring thoughts have forced me to live with those ‘Heads’ for over 40 years. Those ‘HEADS,’ they continue to HAUNT ME, as I relive that experience, day after day after day, 24/7. This is only part of my PTSD!!!

YES, I can still hear their cries, even in my sleep!

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Bostonmaggie: Bravo Zulu, Albert Snyder!

Bostonmaggie: Bravo Zulu, Albert Snyder!

Albert Snyder vs WBC-It Was NOT A Matter of Free Speech!

Please let me clear up some false misconceptions that some folks have about the Federal Law Suit that a Slain US Marine's family successfully argued and Won, Nov. 2nd 2007.

Contrary to a popular belief, this was not a case of attempting to deny the disbarred Kansas Attorney, turned Preacher of a 'hate spurring' assembly known as the Westboro Baptist Church, his "right of Free Speech." This suit was filed by the family of LCpl Mathew Snyder due to an Invasion of Privacy by Fred Phelps.

Demonstrators from Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church huddled together with their signs. "God Hates Fags," "Fags Doom Nations," and "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," among other signs. Some of the demonstrators smiled as they spat on or STEPPED on the American flag while they chanted obscenities and hurled derogatory, defaming insults as marched around the graveside, in close proximity of the grieving family...and the News Media that the WBC pre-notified in advance of their intent to protest and picket.

Yes, Fred Phelps is the one who always notifies the print and TV media, Thus He TURNS A PRIVATE SOLEMN FUNERAL INTO A DISRESPECTFUL "MEDIA CIRCUS." "They turned this funeral into a media circus, and they wanted to hurt my family," Snyder testified, according to the Associated Press. "They wanted their message heard, and they didn't care who they stepped over. My son should have been buried with dignity, not with a bunch of clowns outside," Mr Snyder said.

FACTS:

*Mr. Albert Snyder took this recourse due to an Invasion of Privacy by Fred Phelps,
not to deny his 1st Amendment Rights.
**This was a private civil lawsuit separate from any actions being pursued by states or the federal government against Mr. Phelps. While those cases involve Government action and potential 1st Amendment issues, this case is distinct. This case simply alleges that one does not have the right to conspire to use lies in order to inflict intentional harm upon persons who are grieving the death of their children. http://www.matthewsnyder.org/index.html
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http://www.westborobaptistchurch.com/
"WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including:


GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS, FAG TROOPS, GOD BLEW UP THE TROOPS, GOD HATES AMERICA, AMERICA IS DOOMED, THE WORLD IS DOOMED, etc."
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It's sad some folks believe they speak for God when their message is so full of blatant HATRED and hostility. If anything, I'd expect them to rejoice, for at last the folks they HATE will sit in judgment of the Lord. I'm not sure what their point is other than to be noticed. They aren't accomplishing anything constructive. Fred Phelps is behaving like a narcissist who loves the media attention.
Rachel Brooks Posadas, Nov 15, 2007, 2:16pm EST
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977174630

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "IS THIS THE WAY TO HONOR OUR DEAD?":

God forgive me, but if someone would furnish me with a sniper rifle, give me a brief lesson on how to use it, and I could scare up some support on getting to where these horrid stains on Christianity are going to be, I would take as many of them out as I could, starting with their supposed leader. And I am not a violent person. I am also blessed to have never had to fire a shot in anger or at another human being. Of course, as I told Doc, I don't consider these creatures human.

My PTSD Won't Let Me Comment for the Fear That I Might Incriminate Myself...
Doc E. Everett McFall

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