6 American GIs and civilians killed in Afghan attacks

6 American GIs and civilians killed in Afghan attacks
Army Times
Apr. 6, 2013
By Mirwais Khan
The Associated Press

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Six American troops and civilians and an Afghan doctor were killed in attacks on Saturday in southern and eastern Afghanistan as the U.S. military's top officer began a weekend visit to the country, officials said.

In the south, three U.S. service members, two U.S. civilians and the doctor were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a car full of explosives just as a convoy with the international military coalition drove past another convoy of vehicles carrying the governor of Zabul province.

Another American civilian was killed in an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S. military said in a statement.
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Ohio State Troopers answered another call to duty in combat

New Troopers Accustomed To Combat
Apr 05, 2013
By: Denise Alex
COLUMBUS, Ohio

The Ohio State Highway Patrol's 154th Academy Class graduated Friday after 22 weeks of intense paramilitary training.

Trooper Vincent Shirey said that 21 of the 63 troopers are members of the military. He recruits many troopers from the Camp LeJeune, a North Carolina military base.

"It seems that the military just makes sense with the highway patrol because of our strict military demeanor, our strict discipline. It's just a great fit," added Tpr. Shirey.
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PTSD Veterans Suicides: While they may not be in the military anymore, it is in them

PTSD Veterans Suicides
While they may not be in the military anymore, it is in them
by Kathie Costos
Wounded Times Blog
April 6, 2013

Knowing where we are is only part of the story that needs to be told. How we got here is vital if we are every going to actually change, lean, adapt and act so that they know they matter to us. How can we settle on increased military suicides and attempted suicides after all these years and billions of dollars spent "addressing and preventing" suicides? How can we live with letting all of these men and women down? How can we live with what we are putting families through?

I am sitting here right now in the final stages of THE WARRIOR SAW, SUICIDES AFTER WAR and went back to my older blog trying to fill in missing pieces. I came across one of the first posts I put up on military suicide and was stunned to discover it was +29,217 on Google

People ask me why I refer to all of them as "military suicides" when many of them commit suicide after they have been discharged. The answer is simple. Their suicides are tied to military service and that never changes. Why? Because while they may not be in the military anymore, it is in them.

Until we get that, understand that simple fact, we will keep losing more after combat than during it.

Iraq War Veteran's Suicide
Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Iraq war veteran's suicide a cry for helping others, friend says
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - Columbus,GA,USA
Jan 31, 2006

An Iraq war veteran's suicide earlier this month was a cry for helping others with post-traumatic stress disorder, his close friend says.

Douglas A. Barber, a 35-year-old truck driver, shot and killed himself on Jan. 16 with a shotgun as Lee County sheriff's deputies and two friends on the phone tried to talk him out of it.

Barber, who had an honorable discharge from the Army, had served with the Ohio National Guard's 1485th Transportation Company. He spent part of 2003 in Iraq, returning home ahead of his unit, Army officials said, and later moved from Ohio to Alabama. He had been approved for service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said Thursday.

Barber's best friend, Michael Teppig, told the Opelika-Auburn News in a story Thursday that Barber had problems dating back to childhood. But after he went to Iraq, his problems multiplied.

Teppig said he tried numerous times to get him some help, taking him to the Veterans Hospital in Tuskegee or picking up Barber and his truck at a destination because he was unable to finish the job.

Damon Stevenson, a spokesman for the Tuskegee veterans hospital, said the hospital was sad to hear of Barber's death.

"I had spoken to him on one occasion," Stevenson said Thursday. "We talked about some of his issues."

Because of federal privacy laws, however, Stevenson could not release any details of Barber's medical care.

Iraq only exacerbated Barber's problems "and he was paying the price," Teppig told the Opelika-Auburn News.

"He knew that what all he had in his head weren't going to go away," Teppig said. "He just wanted people to know what he was dealing with and didn't want anyone else to go through the same thing."

He had waged a private and public battle to get the care he needed.

Barber frequented Internet forums to talk about PTSD and the problems vets face after war, Teppig said.

Teppig said he had seen Barber medicated to the point his emotions were all over the charts.

Before Barber died, Teppig spent a day with him calling area television stations trying to get somebody to tell his story, but Teppig said no one seemed interested.

Another friend, Bob Page, was on one phone line with Barber from California and Teppig was on the other when the shotgun fired.
Information from: Opelika-Auburn News

That news caused me to write the following

How many veterans are we going to see take their own lives before this country wakes up? PTSD is real. It is horrible. Worse yet, is that treatment is there waiting for them. I wish I could say all they have to do is ask for it, but for too many it is not that easy. First they have to get over trying to pass it off as nothing serious. Then they have to know what it is. Once they know, then they have to get over the stigma of having a mental illness so that they can fully understand it is a wound to one more body part. Unlike a wound to a limb, this wound cannot be seen with the eyes. It can however be seen through the eyes within the distant stare, the deep pain they carry and the joy no longer reflected. Having gone through the stage of denial comes the time when they no longer want to simply exist, but to live again. To feel all the pleasures of life they used to know but took for granted.

For too many the desire is not strong enough to get them to fight for healing. They feel unworthy of it at the same time they cry out for it. They need someone to fight for them. This is where the family comes in. Unless the family members understand what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is, they will not know what to do. Their own human traits then kick in when they are pushed away, ignored, snapped at and shut out. They begin to take the disconnected attitude as a response to themselves instead of one being from a sufferer of an illness. To dismiss the illness, they say to themselves, "he looks normal to me" so I will react as if they are normal.

The uneducated response is part of the problem growing deeper. It prolongs the time between the cause of the illness and the treatment beginning. It also feeds the perception of the victim feeling unworthy of living, of loving and of compassion. With the knowledge of the illness there is support and a tool to recovery. Without this tool there is suicide, drug and alcohol self-medicating, criminal intent, verbal abuse and violence. The swift reaction to sudden movements or noise becomes more troublesome as self defense kicks into high gear. Hostility becomes more constant as a response. If we react to them as we would a "well" person, this feeds the illness. We can and we must invest the time into learning all we can about this illness.

You may say that your family member is fine upon returning from war service and only see small changes. That is part of the problem. For many with PTSD it takes a second stress factor to push the person over the edge so that the small changes become full blown character changes. By then the changes noticed in the beginning are forgotten about and PTSD is the furthest thing from your mind. You need to know the signs so that you can deal with them if and when they begin to surface. Some will return with signs so strong they are hard to ignore. Others will not show clear signs until much later on.

We need to be prepared and as committed to them as they were when they decided to serve this nation as a defender of this nation. After all isn't that what the military is for? This is why they join although there are many other reasons to go with this basic sense of duty, it is usually the most important one. Money is not enough of a motivator to get someone to join the military. They were willing to risk their lives. The question is, what are we as a nation willing to do for them? Are we willing to take the time to study this illness so that we can be ready when they need us? Are we willing to make sure the Veterans Administration has all the funding and manpower they need to treat those we call hero today, but forget about tomorrow when we expect them to get on with their civilian lives? Are we willing to make sure the public becomes informed of the price paid by far too many of our military members that the stigma of PTSD is forever removed as a deterrent to healing? How many are we willing to let commit suicide like Barber?

The media lack of interest is not new. It has been going on since I began to fight for veterans over twenty years ago. I tried to get them to pay attention to the rules congress laid down so that the VA could recoup some of the costs of non-service connected medical treatments. I was told it was nothing more than sour grapes. If this was the bottom line, then what was the excuse of the media for not paying attention after my husband's claim was approved and he finally got the help he needed for a service connected disability the doctors had already connected but the administration was slow to honor?

It is easier to just dismiss it all and forget about it. Time for the media to wake up and pay attention to the reality for far too many veterans.

Kathie Costos
Namguardianangel@aol.com

Military suicide numbers show efforts producing deplorable results

When you read how many committed suicide in the National Guards and Reserves, then read how much the Commanders have done to prevent them, that right there is the greatest indication WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS NOT WORKING AND IT ALL COMES DOWN TO RESILIENCE TRAINING!

Army Releases December and Calendar Year 2011 Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of December and calendar year (CY) 2011. During December, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides: two have been confirmed as suicide, and nine remain under investigation. For November, the Army reported seven potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, five have been confirmed as a suicide, and two remain under investigation. For CY 2011 there were 164 potential active-duty suicides of which 140 have been confirmed as suicides, and 24 remain under investigation.

During December, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were five potential suicides (four Army National Guard and one Army Reserve): three have been confirmed as suicide and two remain under investigation. For November, among that same group, there were eight potential suicides. Since the release of that report, three cases have been added for a total of 11 cases (11 Army National Guard and no Army Reserve). Of those, nine were confirmed as suicides and two remain under investigation. For CY 2011, there were 114 potential not on active duty suicides (80 National Guard and 34 Army Reserve): 102 have been confirmed as suicide, and 12 remain under investigation.

Army Releases January Suicide Data 2012

The Army released suicide data today for the month of January. During January, among active-duty soldiers, there were 16 potential suicides: five have been confirmed as suicide and 11 remain under investigation. For December, the Army reported 11 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, eight have been confirmed as a suicide and three remain under investigation.

During January, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were six potential suicides (five Army National Guard and one Army Reserve): none have been confirmed as suicide and six remain under investigation. For December, among that same group, the Army reported five potential suicides. Since the release of that report, one case has been added for a total of six cases (four Army National Guard and two Army Reserve). Six were confirmed as suicides and none remain under investigation.

National Guard Bureau Posture Statement 2012

People are our most precious resource. The quality of the Citizen-Soldiers of the Army National Guard is unprecedented. However, we are experiencing a troubling increase in the incidence of suicides. Calendar Year 2010 initial statistics reveal a near doubling in the number of suicides reported. The analysis shows that there is no single contributing cause. It is not necessarily a deployment problem, because 60 percent have not deployed. It is not an unemployment problem, because only 10-15 percent were unemployed. Three primary denominators associated with suicide among Guard Soldiers are being young, male, and white. A recent U.S. Army epidemiological report of suicides from 2003 through 2009 also found primary factors of suicide as being young and male.

The Army National Guard’s transition from a strategic Reserve to an operational Reserve over the past nine years has required an increase in Soldier readiness.

Due to the unique Citizen-Soldier mission of the Army National Guard – and increased OPTEMPO – ARNG Soldiers have shown increasing levels of behavioral health issues at 12 months post-deployment as well as an alarming number of suicides among those who have never been deployed. The ARNG has also witnessed an increase in divorce rates, suicide rates, alcohol and substance abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress, domestic abuse, sexual assault rates, and other behavioral health issues.

For 2012, there have been 182 potential active-duty suicides 2012, there have been 143 potential not on active-duty suicides (96 Army National Guard and 47 Army Reserve)

National Guard Bureau 2014 Posture Statement Soldier, Airman, And Family Readiness There are 260 Air Guard Wounded Warriors enrolled in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Nearly two-thirds of them (172) suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

Suicide Prevention
The Army Guard trained 144 trainers in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program in FY12, bringing the total trained to 459. These trainers will, in turn, train approximately 35,000 gatekeepers in advanced suicide intervention skills. In FY12, ARNG trained 6,761 gatekeepers. A gatekeeper is a Soldier who, by virtue of his position, must be able to recognize people in crisis, intervene to keep them safe, and refer them to help.

Psychological Health
The National Guard Bureau Psychological Health Program has more than 170 licensed behavioral health counselors providing clinical assessment and referral, consultation, and education and information in 50 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia, the 89 Air Guard wings and the Army and Air Guard Readiness Centers.

Army Guard clinicians have screened more than 8,000 Soldiers; 2,000 were referred for ongoing care in FY12.

Army Guard behavioral health counselors provided informal consultations to 30,000 Soldiers and family members; 1,400 of these consultations led to further psychological care in FY12.

Army Guard counselors conducted more than 2,000 briefings and training sessions to Soldiers and their families in FY12.

The National Guard Bureau Joint Surgeon’s Office (NGB-JSG) has established a National Guard Psychological Health Program. With NGB-JSG guidance, the Army and Air Guard have placed licensed behavioral health providers known as State and Wing Directors of Psychological Health (S / WDPHs) in every Wing, state and territory.

In the last 18 months, DPHs actively mitigated 954 high risk situations; to include suicidal, homicidal and assault cases.

DPHs are embedded advisors to leadership to promote psychological health that normalizes “help seeking” culture.

Established suicide awareness and prevention and other support resource websites such as: www.wingmanproject.org and www.jointservicessupport.org

Aggressively promote Soldier and Wingman culture and fitness / resilience.
DPHs work for the Wing commanders, senior leaders, and others to advise leadership on psychological health issues. These counselors also provide immediate expertise for Soldiers and Airmen as consultants for individual and family psychological issues; then offer professional clinical assessments and referrals to help navigate complex systems of care. In the last 18 months, DPHs have provided 14,177 consultations and 2,881 clinical referrals. Follow-up and case management services are also provided to ensure the behavioral health treatment received is successful.

Army Guard FACs generated more than 37,594 cases, addressing issues from geographically dispersed members of all services and service components.

Army Releases January 2013 Suicide Information
The Army released suicide data today for the month of January 2013. During January, among active-duty soldiers, there were 19 potential suicides: two have been confirmed as suicides and 17 remain under investigation. For December 2012, the Army reported seven potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; however, subsequent to the report, another case was added bringing December’s total to eight: five have been confirmed as suicides and three are under investigation.

During January, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 14 potential suicides (six Army National Guard and eight Army Reserve): One has been confirmed and 13 are still under investigation. For December 2012, among that same group, the Army reported 15 potential suicides; since the release of that report, one case has been added for a total of 16 (11 Army National Guard and five Army Reserve): nine have been confirmed and seven cases remain under investigation.

Army Releases February 2013 Suicide Information
The Army released suicide data today for the month of February 2013. During February, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides: three have been confirmed as suicides and eight remain under investigation. For January 2013, the Army reported 19 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; however, subsequent to the report, another case was added bringing January’s total to 20: seven have been confirmed as suicides and 13 are under investigation. For CY 2013, there have been 31 potential active-duty suicides: 10 have been confirmed as suicides and 21 remain under investigation.

Updated active-duty suicide numbers for CY 2012: 183 (156 have been confirmed as suicides and 27 remain under investigation).

During February, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 13 potential suicides (eight Army National Guard and five Army Reserve): four have been confirmed and nine are still under investigation. For January 2013, among that same group, the Army reported 14 potential suicides; nine have been confirmed and five cases remain under investigation.

For CY 2013, there have been 27 potential not on active duty suicides (14 Army National Guard and 13 Army Reserve): 13 have been confirmed as suicides and 14 remain under investigation. Updated not on active duty suicide numbers for CY 2012: 140 (93 Army National Guard and 47 Army Reserve); 136 have been confirmed as suicides and four remain under investigation. UPDATE
This will give you a better idea of how bad the "resilience training" is. How do numbers go up when this was supposed to work so good they made sure they spent billions a year on it?

Air Force Suicides Confirmed and Pending
2008 35
2009 43
2010 60
2011 50
Air Force suicides and suicide attempts that occurred in 2011. Data are presented for 46 Airmen who died by suicide and 241 Airmen who attempted suicide in 251 separate incidents. Army Confirmed and Pending Suicides
2008 140
2009 164
2010 160
2011 167
2011 Army suicide attempts 432 individuals
Marines Confirmed and Pending
2008 42
2009 52
2010 37
2011 32
2011 156 Marines who attempted suicide in 157 separate incidents
Navy Confirmed and Pending
2008 41
2009 47
2010 38
2011 52
2011 87 DoDSERs for 2011 Navy suicide attempts
Department of Defense Suicide Even Report for 2011

For 2011 there were 935 attempted suicides in the military with 915 individuals trying to kill themselves. 896 tried once, 18 tried twice and 1 tried three times. 687 were males and 248 were females. 390 were single but 406 were married.

Family of Maryville marine blames PTSD, not police for his death

Family of Maryville marine blames PTSD, not police for his death
Apr 5, 2013
Mary Scott
FILED UNDER
News Headlines

We often hear the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when we talk about our veterans fighting wars. But a Maryville marine's family says it became all too real for them a few weeks ago.

Friday the family laid Theodore Jones IV or "TJ" to rest at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

"He gave his all to the country and it was important to be able to give him the honors that he deserved," said Jones' sister, Stephanie Kirk. "He was proud to be a marine. He was proud to stand for his country."

Jones wasn't killed on the battlefield, but his family says the emotional wounds he suffered there caused his death.

"The diagnoses went back and forth between PTSD and anxiety disorders, depending on which piece of paper you're looking at," said Kirk.

Nearly three weeks ago, Jones was shot by Maryville police. He had barricaded himself in a vacant business at 2:30 in the morning and was shooting at police and a moving vehicle.
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