The hidden cost of War :-(

[pct001wine]

http://www.news.com.au/national/royal-australian-regiment-overwatch-claims-adf-veteran-suicide-numbe...

"Despite the tragic evidence the head of defence health Rear Admiral Robyn Walker — a Navy GP with no psychiatric qualifications — continues to deny that military service is a key contributor to the tragic total.

An online petition on change.org that had 1600 signatures calling for her removal on Saturday March 14 had increased to more than 3600 names by March 20."

[lind9650]

http://www.defence.gov.au/Health/Home/Bio.asp

This woman has absolutely no experience or training in mental health issues. She is an expert in diving health, is an avid diver herself and has written medical papers regarding Divers Health.

She has never served on a front line in all her 25years career as a Naval Officer. The title Admiral sounds very impressive, but I don't think she would be capable of commanding a fleet of warships.

My previous husband was a returned soldier from the Korean war. I know how PTSD affects not only the suffring person, but the family as well. And still, today the Veterans Department denies that stress can kill.

Erica

[myoclon1cjerk]

I saw a report a while back that said in the U.S the incidence of suicide by military personnel returned from Afghanistan/Iraq was one per day.

[polksaladallie]

Every day, 22 veterans take their own lives. That's a suicide every 65 minutes. As shocking as the number is, it may actually be higher.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/21/us/22-veteran-suicides-a-day/

[curmu-curmu]

Rear Admiral Walker...such an apt name for someone who appears to speak out of their *bleep*

[lind9650]

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@polksaladallie wrote:

Every day, 22 veterans take their own lives. That's a suicide every 65 minutes. As shocking as the number is, it may actually be higher.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/21/us/22-veteran-suicides-a-day/

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I can almost believe that.

Being on the front line in any war is soul destroying if one comes out of it alive.

The folly is --- there is no winner in a war. Only death triumphs.

Erica