“The V.A.’s starts only if veterans come in for benefits or medical care — and many do not seek that care.”
And even if they DO, the VA doesn’t give two hoots in a handbasket.
Rest in peace, Corporal Schlagel.
While it is proper and fair to blame the Marine Corps or the VA; the real reason why so many soldiers and Marines off themselves goes back to the family.
Or the lack thereof.
Very sad. I have friends who have served, and apparently it is a real issue. Some have groups that reach out to one another in the hope they can be present for someone at their time of need. Depression and hurt can be insidious. They can creep up on someone, and at times they may not even know what is happening.
We can spend mega-millions of dollars to bring Syrian refugees and terrorists into the country, but can’t get the VA straightened-out or give our Veterans the help they need.
Makes me sick just to think about it!
Speaking as a service disabled veteran, the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration could give a rats ass about veterans, disabled or healthy.
There was another Marine suicide December 20th in New Jersey. (body found in Pennsylvania) I don’t know what unit the Marine was in.
What happened during their tour? When did they return?
They told us suicide was contagious when I was in. If one person killed themselves it tended to push other people over the edge.
The only answer is to get out in front of it and give these guys the support they need.
The military’s response to any kind of mental issue is to drug them and then take away things, their job, firearms, status. Which only keeps people from seeking help.
I wish more young vets would join the VFW or American Legion. It would help these guys on a lot of levels. God bless them.
This is so sad. Every event that Donald Trump has he spends time taking about our Wounded Warriors. If he is elected they will be far better off than they are now.
I can’t help myself. Every time I read one of the tragic stories it leaves me a blubbering idiot. I spent 22 years in the Navy, beginning during Viet Nam, but thank God never experienced the horror these young Warriors have. Why the bloody hell can we find money to support millions and millions of illegal aliens but not enough to give these young men and women the support they need? Just Damn.
Oh they are getting “help” alright. They are put on drugs proven to increase suicide risk while still in the war zone. Shrinks cause the spike in suicides and then pretend that they can fix it with.... more money of course. Cha-ching.