The Late Army Sgt. Coleman Bean's Mom Fights For Others

Mother of N.J. veteran who killed himself testifies before Congress
Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Rohan Mascarenhas/The Star-Ledger

Today’s hearing came at a crucial time for the American military, which has struggled with a troubling wave of suicides among veterans and service members.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Linda Bean went to Washington today on a mission.

Nearly two years ago, her son, Army Sgt. Coleman Bean, committed suicide after serving two tours in Iraq. As she grieved, Bean heard from her son’s former comrades, many of them describing situations they were dealing with, ones similar to those her 25-year-old son could not endure.

Recalling her family’s experience — the delayed appointments at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the "daunting" website she could not navigate — she worried about their futures.

Something had to change, the East Brunswick resident told herself.

"If Coleman were here, he would have wanted to do whatever he could to help his friends," said Bean, who was featured in the Star-Ledger in November chronicling her son’s ordeal. "We owe them."
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Mother of NJ veteran who killed himself testifies before Congress