National Guards:PTSD blamed for war veteran's suicide

PTSD blamed for war veteran's suicide


By Elizabeth Dinan
edinan@seacoastonline.com
July 07, 2011 2:00 AM

NEWMARKET — Decorated war veteran and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard worker James Keenan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 29.

"Post-traumatic stress disorder claims another hero," said Greg Chabot, who served in an Army National Guard artillery unit with Keenan.

"He was one of the younger guys, very squared away and wouldn't hesitate to help another guy out," said Chabot, who now receives regular counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder. "I don't know if he slipped through the cracks, or was overlooked."

Keenan served with the 2-197th field artillery unit, then was transferred to the 3643rd. According to National Guard 1st Sgt. Mike Daigle, Keenan was decorated six times during his service and was deployed to Iraq twice.

He received two Army Commendation Metals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Iraqi Camp Metal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation, Daigle said. "Most significant," added the National Guard spokesman, was that Keenan was decorated with the Bronze Star V-Device, with the V standing for valor.
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PTSD blamed for war veteran suicide