Obit Reveals: Ex-Commander in Iraq Dies -- Suffering from 'Depression'

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Editor & Publisher

Even after so many tragic final chapters in the lives of so many U.S. military personnel in Iraq or veterans back home, the brutally frank opening line in a newspaper obituary from five days ago seemed particularly haunting: "Donald P. Christy, Lt. Col, USAF, passed away April 21, 2008 in Colorado Springs after an extended bout of anxiety and depression."

Further on, the obit mentioned that in 2004 "Don served a tour of duty as the Deputy Commander at Baghdad Airport in Iraq"--which must have been one of the most stressful jobs in all of Iraq at that time, in light of insurgent attacks and the controversy over a prison based there.

The little-noted obituary does not reveal how Christy died, or exactly why. But the report comes on the heels of a Veterans Administration coverup of the shockingly high number of suicide attempts by vets (1000 a month) and a Rand Corp. study revealing that 300,000 who served in Iraq or Afghanistan now suffer from various mental problems. It's not known, however, if this is another case of suicide.

The Christy obit, which presumably was composed by his family (he leaves parents, two sons, an ex-wife) was published in the Colorado Springs Gazette last Thursday, and picked up by Legacy.com, which also carries a tribute board. Christy was 42. Internment took place this morning with full military honors at the Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of choice.



Read more: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003795718

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Sad how many lives have been ruined by this stupid war. Ours and Iraqis.

[maxsolomon]

1. 42? hell yes that's suicide.

what ARE our soldiers dying for, GWB?

ANSWER THE QUESTION.

[Patriot Abroad]

6. Freedom.

Or other similar buzz words that don't actually mean anything.

[SammyWinstonJack]

13. Oil and War profits. POWER.

[bdamomma]

34. and cheney.

[jody]

2. I've met several thousand officers and enlisted personnel who served in Iraq. They all bear scars of

war.

Those who are on active duty have some support from the military environment in which they currently serve.

Those in Guard units returning to their civilian occupation and social groups often struggle alone.

I wish Bush, Cheney, every senator, every congressperson, and their children were forced to serve a year in Iraq.

If leaders are not prepared to fight and die for a cause, then they should not be allowed to order others to fight and die.

[dkofos]

3. How much of this is caused by any medication they may be on for

depression, PTSD ??

[yardwork]

4. Wow. This is awful.

I'm so sad for him and his family.

[Supersedeas]

29. a real and telling story -- meanwhile the Media is obsessed with Wright and Paula Abdul

[ChairmanAgnostic]

5. K&R If we cannot get this news out on the most important page,

we suck.

[Kukesa]

7. Totally agree. K&R from me, too. n/t

[Dystopian]

8. Another tragedy. So very sad.

K&R



peace~

[Supersedeas]

40. and the silence from the media is deafening

[poebango]

9. That just makes me feel sick inside.

If it ever does make it to the MSM, it will be blamed on Obama's relationship to Rev. Wright.

[bdamomma]

35. we should just shut off the TV's

would that send the corporate media a message.

[Barack_America]

10. Iraq is my generation's burden.

We didn't ask for it, but we have to fix it.

I know that I've already changed my career goals as a result of it.

ETA: Bless this soldier. My prayers are with he and his family.

[TomInTib]

11. Depression almost killed me, once.

I had always had nothing but contempt for weaklings who claimed to be "depressed".

Until it happened to me, at the ripe old age of 50-something.

I had selected the place and purchased the hose and duct tape.

Thought about it every morning when I awoke.

But I was lazy and kept putting it off until "tomorrow".

Thank heavens.

I still have the hose and tape as a reminder of the Frailty of Man.

Tom

[mahatmakanejeeves]

12. This might be an urban legend, but

I have heard that it is either not possbile or not easily possible to commit suicide by sitting in a modern running car in a closed garage. Emission control systems are so good that there isn't enough carbon monoxide in the exhaust to have the "desired" effect.

I've had my place chosen for years.

[PADemD]

15. It's not a legend

"Officials rule deaths in Allentown garage accidental"

http://blog.pennlive.com/lvbreakingnews/2007/11/info_coming_today_about_3_foun.html

[TomInTib]

37. Not with my car.

Oh, I had it all figured out.

Those Chevy 327/375's can pump 'em out.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

38. any engine that old

would have lots of CO in the exhaust.

[brer cat]

18. I'm very glad that you are still with us!

:hug:

[saigon68]

14. Kissed the Muzzle

Hell of a Way to Go

R.I.P.

[classof56]

16. I just learned that the grandson of a relative of mine died of a gunshot wound.

A young man who had just returned from two tours in Iraq. I am heartsick. What an awful, awful tragedy. They are attempting to get it ruled accidental rather than suicide so his family gets the death benefit. My heart aches as everyone tries to deal with and sort this out, then live with it from now on. Calls to mind how much I HATE Bush's ugly pointless war!

Tired Old Cynic

[LonelyLRLiberal]

24. I hate Bush's ugly pointless GUTS!!!

Sorry for your family's loss. What a shame. Bush and his gang will burn in Hell if there is one.

[classof56]

28. Thank you for kind thoughts. Greatly appreciated.

First time anyone in our family has been directly affected by this whole miserable mess in Iraq. I can only hope my teen-age grandson will not grow up to be conscripted and sent over to die in the sand. I fully expect McNoShame to institute the draft if he should win. Gotta work really hard to make sure that doesn't happen!

I have posted many times that I hate Bush and his evil minions, but lately I'm almost afraid to do that. But there, I have said it again--thanks for giving me the courage. If they come to take me away, then so be it.

Tired Old Cynic

[Vanje]

30. A local young man, on the dark early morning of his redeployment...

...put on his Marine uniform and took a walk to a park, with his gun.
Single gunshot to the head.
Ruled as a suicide.

[classof56]

39. So sad, so tragic--words fail me.

I wish I could feel there was some justice in this world, or even a world to come, that would call to account the perpetrators of this evil. At one time I thought there was. Now I'm not at all sure. The sadness, the emptiness increases and spreads. I can only hope the dead veterans find some peace, and their families as well. I can hope, but at this point I'm not counting on it. Not to mention, evil seems to have no bounds, no boundaries, no accountability. Again, words fail me.

Tired Old Cynic

[atjrpsych]

17. Our health care system is too busy denying any mental health coverage

It is unbelievable that our health care system in America often excludes or limits mental health coverage to about 20 visits per year. Depression is the number one cause of unproductivity in our country and costs us billions of dollars yearly.
The enormous stressors and trauma that the military is exposed to can take years to heal. It is just like our country to take what wants and dispose of what is no longer desirable.

[mcollier]

19. We have got to have better accountability in our government

Fubar policies of the Bush Administration.

[InkAddict]

22. When my plate was too full, I sought help from

a highly recommended local psychologist. The "good doctor" had counseled Lockerbie families in the past and was said to be an expert in treating mental trauma and shock. I learned the "good doctor" was in the NG when the good doctor needed to re-schedule a visit to go for a summer weekend exercise that was later described as loathsome "primitive camping." I can remember having to find another path to the "good doctor's" door due to a 4th of July parade, something I was particularly having trouble with under the circumstances. The "good doctor" then went to counsel 9/11 survivors and their families, and I had to re-schedule. When my insurance company didn't pay fast enough, the "good doctor" testified to a State committee; legislation passed for timely payment and my claims were paid. After that, the "good doctor" decided not to be a provider under my plan. I could continue as a self-pay, though I did not and found myself the worse for it sometime later. Then the "good doctor" got a call-up off to Gitmo. I read on-line how the "good doctor" wrestled with the dilemma of treating soldiers who could not manage the trauma of sharing refrigerator in the barracks of Camp America and Camp Delta, while soldiers in Abu Graib committed torture and worse beneath our flag.

Shame-faced for sharing my mind and heart with the "good doctor," I continued to hear what soldiers really did in our names at Abu-Graib and in Faluga, all at our domestic financial expense. From time to time I surf the Net and sometimes see the "good doctor's" articles and interviews reveling in how wonderful it was to be finally going off to the Green Zone where REAL trauma existed in our soldiers' minds just waiting for the "good doctor's" expert ministrations and silent collusion.

My heart grows heavier, and my plate and shame grows ever fuller.

[annm4peace]

20. Help those peers who are trying to reach other Vets in need

Please donate, and help support by volunteering, or through donations these groups.

by one of these Veterans or Military Family members who call or meet a suffering Veterans and family members can make a world of difference. I have seen it first hand several times.

A co-worker asked if I could ask a VFP to call another co-worker's son who has been struggling since coming back from Iraq. So I live in MN, and my VFP friend in MN called the son in PA. It was enough to save him from suicide and to help him find resources for why he continues to have blood clots in legs. I know a VFP, who has been an active member since the 80's, who goes around to local bars in Minneapolis adn St Paul in his free time and will go to the same ones in a route he has established. He is looking out for returning military who seem struggling. He has been able to reach several and now the barflys know him and will let him know when they think a Vet needs help and when he usually comes in. He is just amazing. He himself lives with PTSD, but knows his limits.

I had another co-worker who's husband came back w/anger and depression issues. A Military Family Member (a father) reached out to her husband and was able to get him in to see a councelor..and thsi helped him. the MFSO member keeps checks on him, and has helped him more than anyone else.

Please donate to Veterans for Peace: www.veteransforpeace.org
Military Family Members Speak Out: www.mfso.org
Iraqi Veterans Against the War: www.ivaw.org
(you can see if there is a local chapter in your area)

This years Veterans for Peace is having their National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Aug 27-30, 2008. 1 week before Republican National Convention.
http://www.vfpnationalconvention.org/index.htm

[InkAddict]

23. See above - Be very careful with whom you share the secrets of your soul. n/t

[Maat]

31. I have supported Veterans for Peace for many years ...

thanks for YOUR support.

These guys make such a positive impact on our communities; I always help them with their "Arlington West."

[Sam Ervin jret]

21. sons and EX-wife, that reminds me that the marriages of these soldiers and the problems

in them will without a doubt be another untold tragedy of this war.

Young men with no adequate mental health care or screening when they enter, no follow up care when they get out. Families out of the loop. They are left with no understanding of how to help or what to do.

The only Veteran running for president in the major parties seems to be carrying on the tradition of see nothing and say nothing ill of the military. Well there is something very wrong with the military.

I got a letter in the mail today. Actually it came for my son. But he said I could open any "bulk" mail while he's at school. So I did. It was from the military asking my son to consider signing up and offering a free mug if he called to discuss his options.

I will not send it on to him. Not because i don't think the military is a good and honorable choice for a person to make for their life. It's that I don't think the military is a good choice to make for your life NOW when we have dishonorable people at the head of it.

It's not a matter of not liking a political leader or party. It's a matter of honor.

This president has not been forever faithful.

He has not been faithful to the constitution. He has not been faithful to his oath of office. He has not been faithful to his word.

His lack of faith to and in these things has put our country and those who serve in the military in unneccessarily dangerous positions.

From his support of torture through lies too numerous to count in support of this war this president has proven he is not a man to be trusted with the lives of our sons and daughters.

[ShortnFiery]

25. Come on, Patriotic American - go shopping with your tax rebates.

Don't pay attention to those suicides. Especially the last words written to his Commander, General "Peaches" Petraeus before Col. Ted Westhusing "ate a bullet." Yes, the suicide detailed "exactly as written" (below) was expressly addressed to the PRESENT highest ranking Military Officer in The United States of America. :(

http://www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=2440

I am Sullied-No More
Faced with the Iraq war's corruption, Col. Ted Westhusing chose death before dishonor


Westhusing's suicide note reads:

Thanks for telling me it was a good day until I briefed you. —You are only interested in your career and provide no support to your staff—no msn support and you don’t care. I cannot support a msn that leads to corruption, human right abuses and liars. I am sullied—no more. I didn’t volunteer to support corrupt, money grubbing contractors, nor work for commanders only interested in themselves. I came to serve honorably and feel dishonored. I trust no Iraqi. I cannot live this way. All my love to my family, my wife and my precious children. I love you and trust you only. Death before being dishonored any more. Trust is essential — I don’t know who trust anymore. Why serve when you cannot accomplish the mission, when you no longer believe in the cause, when your every effort and breath to succeed meets with lies, lack of support, and selfishness? No more. Reevaluate yourselves, cdrs . You are not what you think you are and I know it.

COL Ted Westhusing

Life needs trust. Trust is no more for me here in Iraq.

*Westhusing wrote his doctoral dissertation on military honor. :patriot: :cry: :grouphug:

[SpiralHawk]

27. "I didn't voluteer to support corrupt, money grubbing (republicon) contractors."

Hell will be too damn sweet a place for the corrupt republicon homelander cronies, and what they have done to our sons and daughters in uniform...

[ShortnFiery]

32. I'm sadly filled with so much hate right now ...

I'm going to force myself to stop at a local Parish, light a candle and pray for the souls of those within The Unitary Executive. :cry:

... For the deep, dark and horrific place WHERE they are going - when they "break free" of the mortal coil - will make the death and destruction they've fomented on The World seem like "a garden party" in comparison. :wow:

Let's consider pledging to ourselves NOW? IF Iran is BOMBED based upon the passing of that horrific Kyle-Lieberman Amendment, that we will NOT support "any democrat" running for their next re-election in The Primaries?!?

The only way us little people can stop this madness is to VOTE the warmongers and their a** kissing enablers OUT OF OFFICE. :grr:

If I didn't believe in God and His Divine justice upon passing from this Earthly Existence, I'd give up all hope.

The GOOD most often does not prevail.

But in the end: The last will be first and the first shall be last. :grouphug:

[formercia]

26. The real casualty totals may never be known

Another hidden casualty of Junior's illegal War of Aggression.

[heliarc]

33. The word is "interment" not "internment"...

Another serviceman who was betrayed by his nation's Commander in Chief. May he rest in peace.

[KSinTX]

42. And abandoned

Bush has abdicated his position of Commander-In-Chief, placing it squarely in the hands of his military man on the ground - Petraeus.

[bdamomma]

36. so sad

why are these war criminals still in office???? ......nevermind I can answer that.

[KSinTX]

41. THIS is what this election's about. Thank you

nt