Vet suicide rate out of hand

Veterans are twice as likely as civilians to commit suicide:

US veterans are twice aslikely as civilians to commit suicide, according to a study releasedMonday, which researchers said underscores the need for mental healthcare for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan .

Most at risk were disabled male veterans, or those who suffered emotional or psychological trauma during their service.

Former combatants who were white, older and better-educated alsowere more likely to take their own lives, according to the study whichappeared in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

This is more of a generic study.  In April of 2006, the military reported that the suicide rate was the highest since the 1990s.  A total of 83 active duty soldiers killed themselves in 2005.

This all goes back to the low quality of health care for our soldiers.  On May 28th, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would increase the amount of no-cost health care for returning veterans from two to five years.  The Senate is expected to take up this measure rather soon.