Wife of suicidal Iraq veteran seeks better support

Wife of suicidal Iraq veteran seeks better support
Heather Morse
The News-Review

It has been two weeks since a 23-year-old Iraq war veteran slammed his car into a Sutherlin railroad crossing arm at more than 90 mph in a highly visible suicide attempt.

Billy Canfield, formerly a member of the Army National Guard's Charlie Company, survived the crash but broke five vertebrae in his back. He was scheduled to be released from the Roseburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center this afternoon.

Less than a week before the crash, Canfield attempted to take his own life by overdosing on his prescription medications, according to his wife, Cassandra Canfield.

She said the mental health services available locally were not adequate to help her husband. She said she hopes his story will inspire new programs and other means of support for those struggling to readjust to civilian life.

She said Billy Canfield hasn't been the same man since he returned from his tour in Iraq in May of 2010. He is constantly on edge and becomes angry and anxious easily.

The couple are struggling financially to support a 3-year-old daughter, Allisyn, and 4-month-old son, Logan. Billy Canfield is easily overwhelmed with everyday problems, his wife said.

Cassandra Canfield said her husband sought treatment at the Roseburg VA for the physical and mental damage inflicted by his year in Iraq. He suffered pain in his knees, back and hips.
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