Veterans Lack of health care may foster suicide

[maddezmom]

May 29, 2007
BY Jennifer C. Kerr Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- In the three months after Marine Maj. John Ruocco returned from Iraq feeling numb and depressed, he couldn't sleep. He had lost weight. He had nightmares. He was distracted and withdrawn from his two young sons.

One night, he promised his wife, Kim, that he would get help. The next morning, he was dead. The 40-year-old Cobra helicopter pilot, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., had hanged himself.

There are others. Army reservist Joshua Omvig. Army Capt. Michael Pelkey. Marines Jonathan Schulze and Jeffrey Lucey. Each came home from tours in Iraq and committed suicide.

Veterans' groups and families who have lost loved ones say the number of troops struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues is on the increase and not enough help is being provided by the Pentagon and the Veterans Affairs Department.

more:http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/404334,3_1_EL29_A5IRAQ_S1.article

[shenmue]

1. I wouldn't doubt it

B*sh has destroyed everything in this country.

[acmavm]

2. It's not just veterans.

[Vidar]

3. Being forced to murder innocent civilians in an illegal war might

have something to do with it as well.