Gregory Bean was forthcoming in telling his son's story in hopes it can prevent a similar tragedy. "If another young man hears his story, and we can do something to change another outcome, a story can have a positive result," he said.
East Brunswick soldier kills self after returning from second Iraq tour
Bean, 25, had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder
By RICK MALWITZ • STAFF WRITER • September 9, 2008
EAST BRUNSWICK —When the final tally is made of American casualties in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sgt. Coleman S. Bean will not be listed among the war dead.
The 25-year-old Bean served two tours of duty in Iraq. He landed there with paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Division during the first days of the war, and saw combat duty in Northern Iraq.
Upon returning home he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the diagnosis, he was deployed to Iraq for a second time, returning home in May. A third deployment remained a possibility.
Saturday night, following a car accident and a brief hospital stay, Bean returned to his home in South River and took his own life.
Wednesday night at 5, family, friends and several dozen army buddies from around the country will gather for a memorial service at the United Methodist Church on North Main Street in Milltown. The service will include an honor guard, taps and a presentation of the American flag to his family.
"He was a casualty of this war in a different way," said his father, Gregory Bean, who remains angry that his son was returned to the war, despite a diagnosis of PTSD he calls "dramatic."
Sixty-two active-duty soldiers committed suicide so far this calendar year, according to Col. Eddie Stephens, the Army's deputy director for human resource policy. Another 31 deaths are being investigated as possible suicides.
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Another death that will not be counted just because the enemy came home inside of a soldier. What was he doing be redeployed with PTSD and why in the hell wasn't someone helping him when he came home? What is wrong with the DOD they keep this dangerous practice going on? They were thinking of sending him back a third time!
Gregory Bean is a hero to all who serve and come home wounded. Because he is willing to understand what wounded his son, what actually claimed the life of his son, he will end up saving some lives. He understand what PTSD is and finds no shame in his son being wounded but what we are doing to all of them is something to be ashamed of. How many more will die and not be counted? How many more will have to be buried when they could have been healing? kc
My deepest sympathy goes out to Coleman's family along with my thanks for all he did in the service to our country. We enjoy our American freedom because of the bravery of young men like Coleman who have the support of their family and friends. God bless.
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