Army National Guard suicides increased 75 percent in 2009

When the battle comes home: Preventing suicides
Posted: May 11, 2010 - 3:21pm
First of three parts

There is something especially troubling about suicides in the armed forces.

Start with this statistic: More military personnel died by suicide in 2009 than in either of the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq, reports the Congressional Quarterly.

Rates are high for both active duty personnel and veterans.

- In fact, of the more than 30,000 suicides in the nation each year, fully 20 percent are by veterans, said Eric Shinseki, Veterans Affairs secretary.

- Army National Guard suicides increased 75 percent in 2009.

- An average of 18 veterans each day die by suicide.

Stemming the increase

When death comes from the soldier's own hand after returning home, it seems especially tragic.

"This is horrible. Every single loss is devastating," said Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Army vice chief of staff, in The Washington Post.
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When the battle comes home Preventing suicides
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