Many returning soldiers become uncounted casualties of war

[babylonsister]

Many returning soldiers become uncounted casualties of war

06:04 PM PDT on Thursday, August 16, 2007

By ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News


Uncounted casualties of war

DARRINGTON, Wash. - As the Army looks at suicides among active duty soldiers, many troubled veterans are finding no comfort even after they leave the service and return home.

No one is exactly sure how big the problem is, but it's clear that soldiers are taking their lives because they can't cope with life after war.

Kevin Walsh wasn't cut out for war. Instead of sending home photos of the battlefield, he would e-mail his mother photos of Iraqi children and stray dogs he had befriended.

"He just was a very gentle soul," said his mother, Rosann. "He would smuggle prawns and steak out of the mess hall or whatever you call it."

Kevin enlisted in the Army prior to 9/11 looking for job training. But by the time he got out in 2005, the Iraq war had changed him.

"The day he came home I took pictures of him, and a couple of people said his eyes are blank. There's no one there," said Rosann.

more...

http://www.king5.com/news/specials/conflict/stories/NW_081607WAB_soldier_suicide_wash_SW.3ebfe6c9.html

[Sabriel]

1. What a depressing story

It's a good thing I'm not overly cynical, because otherwise I'd say that they mailed him those extra meds for just that purpose.

Good thing I'm not suspicious and cynical....

[Solly Mack]

2. :(

My heart goes out to her

"I mean you feel like, I'm the one that's supposed to help him… but I couldn't," said Rosann.

Just horrible that feeling...