Finally, Congressman Kline and I agree on something.
"It's just unconscionable that you have a man that's identified by the system,
yet he gets to the point where he commits suicide," said Kline, a Marine veteran
who represents the district where Schulze lived.
Although, Congresswoman Bachmann has been notably silent on the issue.
Congressman Walz displayed his grasp of the situation, which I fully expected as he is a retired CSM from the National Guard.
"The hidden costs of this war are not being addressed," said Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., a member of the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Committee and a veteran. "I've been deeply concerned. I think there's been almost nothing done to prepare for this."
Schulze's death, Walz said, points to a looming problem as more veterans return to Minnesota from Iraq. "I'm anguished over this," he said of Schulze's death. "What's heartbreaking is that Jonathan had the foresight to reach out."
Exactly, according to most reports, this young Marine reached out for help and was met with a cold shoulder and an excuse.
I am anxiously awaiting the report of this investigation and the improvements that will be made at VA Hospitals across the nation. Suicide amongst veterans is an issue that gets swept under the proverbial rug in society.
Imagine the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. Some 58,000 brave souls have their names etched in stone, forever enshrined in this moving tribute to Vietnam Veterans. If we accounted for the suicides of Vietnam Vets, the wall would have to be more than 4 times the size it is today.
Think about it...
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