Army Suicides Grow, but This Soldier Was Saved

[zeos3]

I was checking my email and came across this story on yahoo. We've been putting these kids through this for the past eight years. How do we expect that they won't snap or feel hopeless?





"Data released by the Army this week show what seems to be a steadily increasing number of suicides among soldiers, from 128 in 2008 to 160 last year, an average of about 13 suicides each month.

Last month, despite a strenuous effort by the Army and the other military services, 14 active-duty soldiers took their own lives. The Army cites "relationship difficulties'' as a key factor in causing soldiers to consider suicide."




The article tells the story of Army Spec. Joe Sanders. Thousands of miles from home, watching his fellow soldiers getting killed and maimed, he learns that his wife wants a divorce. Sanders confided in his roommate that he was contemplating suicide. His roommate, Spec. Albert Godding, saved him by removing the firing pin from Sanders' weapon.






"When Sanders pulled the trigger of his loaded carbine, there was only a light click. Horrified both at what he had done and what he had failed to do, Sanders tore open his weapon, searching frantically to find why it hadn't fired. He quickly identified the reason: no firing pin.

At that moment his roommate, Spec. Albert Godding, walked in. "Where's my firing pin -- I don't have a firing pin!'' Sanders yelled, terrified that he'd misplaced that critical piece and would get in trouble for losing it.

"And how,'' Godding asked gently, "did you discover it was missing?''"




What can you say about a story like this besides "WTF are we still doing over there?!?"

[Fumesucker]

1. Saved for what?

A lifetime of pain that he will get little to no help for?

[zeos3]

3. I agree with your sentiment.

Here's the link to the story. I forgot to add it and it's too late to edit now.


http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/03/12/army-suicides-grow-but-this-soldier-was-saved/

[Godding_2869]

5. i'm albert godding

just to let you know, sanders is doing better then ever now... he has a new girl, about to get married again, and is getting promoted soon... he now longer feels for his ex and is not effected by it at all. it was just a bad time for him.

[Mari333]

6. thanks!!!! give him huge hugs from this gramma

and bunches to you too

[Fumesucker]

7. Glad to hear he's doing better..

I wish it could be so for everyone.

I know people in my own life that are still screwed up from Vietnam and will never be right in the head.

[Wilber_Stool]

2. I'd say

he was fortunate he had a very good and clever friend.

[zeos3]

4. Here's the link to the story...

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/03/12/army-suicides-grow-but-this-soldier-was-saved/