Utah Guard Suicides Outnumber War Dead

[unhappycamper]

Utah Guard Suicides Outnumber War Dead
February 05, 2009
Salt Lake Tribune

Since 2005, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the lives of two Soldiers from the Utah National Guard.

Suicide has claimed 10.

In response to an alarming increase of suicide in its ranks, the military has hired a virtual army of social workers, mental health professionals and suicide-prevention counselors to work with its members. But for the fourth consecutive year, the Army has reported an increase in the number of Soldiers it has lost to suicide. At least 128 Soldiers took their own lives in 2008 -- and that number could rise, as 15 other deaths remain under investigation.

"Why do the numbers keep going up? We cannot tell you," said Army Secretary Pete Geren. "But we can tell you that across the Army, we're committed to doing everything we can to address the problem."

In response to the rising numbers, the Army will conduct a 30-day "stand-down" starting Feb. 15, which will include training for members to recognize behaviors among their peers that may lead to suicide.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/utah-guard-suicides-outnumber-war-dead.html?col=1186032310810

[ColbertWatcher]

1. This is sad. k+r, n/t