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Subscribe to RSSIn the month of June, members of the U.S. Army (active duty, Guard and Reserve) committed suicide at the rate of one per day. Suicide has just set a grim record, an awful benchmark: 32 in the month of June. And that's just one branch of the armed forces. It’s among the stories we are covering tonight -- and in the middle of our afternoon editorial meeting, I got an email from one of the best guys I know: Jack Jacobs, a Recipient of the Medal of Honor. Jack, a retired U.S. Army Colonel (and a military affairs consultant to the network) appears as part of a PSA campaign airing now -- aimed at a military audience and getting heavy airplay on the Military Channel, among other outlets (especially at our military facilities). I've talked about Jack's book, based on his combat history and you can see the PSA's his fellow Recipients have recorded here. While Jack is a heavily-decorated combat veteran from Vietnam, he has closely studied both of our current wars, has closely studied this issue -- visiting facilities overseas and domestically and talking with recently-returned combat veterans. I asked him for his thoughts, and they are below. For my money, this is the highest-quality review of the suicide problem that we will ever read. It is unvarnished, and fresh from the field...just like my friend Jack.
It is difficult for most people to grasp what would drive anybody to suicide, but the increasing number of suicides among member of the US armed forces looks like a troubling epidemic.
I have many friends who are veterans---from World War II through the current conflicts---and they all tell me the same thing: armed combat is ferocious and terrifying, and nobody is the same after it. But they say that the nature of much of the combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the way in which we use our small military force, may both contribute to the psychological problems that troops experience.
The majority of our casualties have come from improvised explosive devices, set in ambush and usually detonated remotely. The type of combat in which one side fires on and maneuvers to kill or capture the other was more commonplace in previous wars. And while both are dangerous and fearsome, there is a certain feeling that in toe-to-toe combat you can affect the outcome of the engagement. But in the kill zone of an IED ambush, there is none of that, and it is easy to conclude that there is no way to affect whether you live or die.
And there are other contributing factors:
--Explosions. Getting caught by or near an explosion can easily produce brain trauma, even if there's no blood. Repetitive explosions produces repetitive concussions. 20 years from now, many of these people will develop Parkinson's Disease or the symptoms of similar disorders, and the VA will have its hands full. We Americans will have to re-visit this topic again, when the public and the Congress will have forgotten the sacrifice of these brave young Americans, looking for help from a nation that will have moved on.
--Repetitive tours. We rely on a small number of people, and we keep sending them back, with no end in sight. to the troops who feel that we have no strategic objective, or that we keep changing it, service looks like war without end. It is difficult not to become depressed.
--The economy. Service members in the National Guard and Reserve also serve multiple tours in combat areas, and when they, and regular forces who are discharged after their enlistments, eventually return to civilian life, they are confronted with an economy that can't absorb them into the marketplace. They have responsibilities they can't fulfill financially, and some of them, reeling under those burdens and a feeling that their service has been in vain, become uncontrollably despondent.
Until recently, there were perceived impediments to seeking and getting help. That has changed. Now, no stigma attaches to asking for assistance, and there are hugely successful programs to assist troops who are in trouble. With so much command emphasis, the situation is likely to improve. But the country must vow today to remember there brave Americans when, years from now, they ask for our help.
My thanks to Jack Jacobs. I hope you can join us for our broadcast tonight, and have a good weekend.
Leave a Comment:
There hasn't been very many wars fought without the country waging the war didn't have some kind method of getting more men in uniforms other than a voluntary fighting force?
A voluntary force is a grand idea in the scheme of things but when reality hits the ones with the boots on the ground are the ones who suffer the most.
Iraq and Afghanistan are wars being fought for political reasons. The people in the Bush administration owes the American public the real reason why we are at war in Iraq. WMDs. Suspected chemical weapons. Supporting terrorist training camps. Saddam was just a bad man and had to go.
Cheney has a bad heart and now is the time for him to come clean and own up to the truth while he is still able to make right with the American people.
We have sent some of our best and brightest young people overseas to die. Isn't it about time we find out why when there is still time to hear the reasons why and not read it after the political machine puts their spin on it and the author is not around to defend the truth?
DIDO Dewey Quong
Brian,
I am convinced that WMDS were in Iraq at the end of former President Clinton's term and were
later moved to Syria and that former President George W. Bush will be vindicated in the Middle East.
I picked up information on the internet that weapons of mass destructon were sold by a
president to Saddam who,, thank God, is no longer with us. It grieves me about the soldiers'
suicides, but I think if our soldiers were not over there, the insurgents would be in America.
Have a nice weekend, Brian.
Phyllis
What a week as Goldman Sachs pays 550 million but continues to say they didn't do anything wrong. Sweet. Now why would anyone pay when they did nothing.
Now Law Makers are fighting to get control to repeal the regulation passed resently. The GOP feel that Wall Street and Banks/Corportions should not have regulation and should be free to continue to rob the taxpayers.
Rand Paul said he doesn't think about the troops. Well Bush said the same thing. I'm sure Mr. Paul expects the Military vote for that Senate seat.
I left California earthquacks only to come to the East Coast for this earthquack.
I remember people wondered who was Deep Throat for so many many years. Well manhay wonder why we invaded Iraq and what was really going on with the 9/11 attack. In time the truth will ocme out and the players will shock many. History has shown many countries did things unthinkable in the name of best of the people. I will admit Dick Cheney will go down in history as a man who up graded the Nixon plan. Nixon had to resign because the Media/Press report truthful information. Cheney realized if he took control of the Media/Press along with the Judges his plan would work. Even Judge Bybee now admitts his torture policy was wrong. We've seen the worse dictators and never realized we had one sitting in the White House. Scooter Libby fell on the sworn for Dick and who can forget Cheney leaked Covert CIA AGent Plames name causing many in Iran to be killed for helping the USA. Complete corruption for 8 years by the Bush Administration and the results we see today.
have a great weekend all
Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening. A very moving and heartbreaking posting tonight and the suicide rate of soldiers. It is so extremely tragic and sad this benchmark has been reached regarding the number of suicides among soldiers. Reading all the factors which contribute to this happening is terribly disturbing and heartwrenching. All these explosions,multiple tours and the economy are major factors and one truly hopes all the soldiers can receive the BEST help available for them. They are all heroes and served our nation bravely and with dedication. They deserve the BEST care.
God Bless All Our Brave Soldiers!
Now on to the broadcast.
First of all the report by Anne Thompson concerning the capping of the oil well which is not a permanent fix, but at least no oil is flowing into the Gulf. The pressure readings in the next few hours are vitally critical and hopefully will remain good. They are not going to be overconfident right now since it is still in the early stages, but it is optimistic. Only when the well is permanently capped will everyone be sure there will be no more leaking from the well. Time is if the essence.
The report by Mr.Truong showed how much seafood needs to be tested before being sent to any restaurants or grocery stores. Smelling, seeing, tasting the seafood is important work for the investigators to make sure the seafood is safe for people to eat. Many questions by consumers who are still cautious about eating seafood from the region. One hopes things improve as the days go on.
The report by Mr.Miklaszweski about the suicide rate of US soldiers was heartbreaking and ones thoughts and prayers go out to all the families of the soldiers. So young and with too many stresses upon them it is tragic and awful this is happening to these young men. It was heartwrenching to hear the statistics because help is available. All these Veterans should have the BEST care available to them and never should feel alone. The video of the Medal of Honor recipients each sending a hopeful message is good. One hopes all the soldiers who neecd help seek it and receive the BEST care.
The "Making A Difference" segment was so lovely tonight about the woman who began the program od donating bales of hay to horse owners in need of help. In this tough economy it was wonderful to see people reaching out to help others. One never wants to see animals suffering in any way and all the donations and volunteers are truly helping to make sure all these horses stay healthy and making the owners very happy too. So very inspirational!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Have a wonderful weekend! Safe travels to the Jersey Shore! And Congratulations to NBC Nightly News for being nominated for Six Emmy Awards! Woo! Hoo!
Peace to You and to All!
Lots of Love to LaurelJackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
Brian, I have a book entitled Churchill's Folly ...and how Winston Churchill created modern Iraq.
I have skimmed through it and Churchill is portrayed in a new light. The author is Christopher
Catherwood. I will quote the final paragraph: "Saddam Hussein has been both deposed and
apprehended. Much may have changed by the time you read this--I hope for the better.
The people of Iraq, whether or not they stay together, deserve the future we in the West
denied them in 1921" Thanks to Winston Churchill.
Phyllis
Thank you Col. Jacobs. No one could have said it better.
Dewey -- I second your opinion but I don't think any of us should hold our breath waiting for the truth!
Brian and the entire staff of NN -- Congratulations on SIX Emmy Award nominations -- all well deserved!
Anne is still smiling and I still can't believe I'm not seeing oil gushing when I look at the well videos!
Good weekend all-
Celine
Brian: This situation is gut-wretching! Jack is right, our forces are overburdened with continuing tours of duty with no clear objective, unlike World War Two and Korea. One cannot imagine how fearsome combat can be unless it's been personally experienced. Imagine if you will, a soldier who is exposed to extremely horrifying combat conditions and returns home only to find that he or she can not find emplyment and can't reconnect with the civilian society. Unfortunately, they feel there is no hope out there, and extreme dispair is all they encounter. Deppression itself, is very common in our society, so one can imagine how extreme this disorder would be for one who is involved in battle. Hopefully these new medical techniqes will help reduce the rate of suicides in the Armed Forces. Thanks Brian and Colonel Jacobs for bringing this horrible situation to our attention.
Dear God please comfort these last worth while Americans and their families. Inspire them to seek public office and replace the worthless lying self aggrandizing scum we have now. Bring down the enemies of freedom at home and abroad.,
Dave
You inspire me
Lifting me up...higher
M.
Brian,
I am organizing stuff and came across a back issue of The Atlantic Monthly which predicts the next
clash of civilizations will be not between the West and the rest but between the United States
and Europe--and Americans remain largely oblivious.
Phyllis
Phyllis
Please allow me to say:
Brian Williams' recent vacation to Ireland inspired him to blog-
Share with the blog family-
The family discussed, responded..all about Ireland.
I did say a good movie showing the beauty of Ireland is
"PS, I Love You." It is on Lifetime, 9, tonight.
So, Cary and others who did show interest...it's on Lifetime.
What d'ya know..McCain is leading in the polls. Huge margin.
He still got it.
Mimi
When my husband was with General Electric, his manager and wife visited Ireland and loved Ireland.
I have green eyes, so maybe I'm part Irish. Who knows? Thanks for the information about McCain
which would make my brother's day as he lives in Arizona.
Phyllis
Phyllis
Terrific Saturday broadcast. The Obamas on vacation..let's hope their next visit will be the Gulf region. Of course the story of the Queen "losing pounds" got my full attention. Amazing budget. Never knew so much is required to run Buckingham Palace.
The Palace is open, bare to the public and public streets, close to Hyde Park in the heart of London. Quite surprising. But then again..."It's the people's palace..," said my cousin.
Ache and mental pain came with Michelle's story. All those pets surrendered. This is happening all over..the economy takes its toll.
You are Irish? I am fascinated by everything Irish..and boy..the accent.
Caught the broadcast at work and now watching Dateline "Deadly Sanctuary" hosted by Mr. Holt. A bizarre story, all about envy. Sad.
phyllis, we are frying out here in arizona, no monsoons yet, well, we did have very good rain today, but it's only the second day of rain this month when we usually get very wet weather from the 4th of july until august. i used to live in phoenix, when we moved back from st. louis, i was almost the admin. asst. to then gov. bruce babbitt, since i had worked bi-lingual. but i had little rug rats, i couldn't leave them on a drop of a dime, to catch a plane in the middle of the night. to fly to mexico to negotiate nafta, geesh. hope we get more rain tomorrow:-) have a great sunday.
Anna. Happy Sunday..
Taking a different path.....
Early this morn was led to Rich Mulliins' "Our God is an Awesome God."
Another great gospel song to add to "O Happy Day."
Few lines:
"And when the sky was starless
In the void of the night
(Our God is an awesome God)
He spoke into the darkness
And created the light
(Our God is an awesome God)