McMahon: Reaper
Jul 20, 2010, 6:08 PM | Updated: Jun 5, 2012, 3:27 am
In case you hadn’t heard, 32 American military personnel were killed this June, the highest monthly toll ever. Another tragic record was set last year — 245 violent deaths, and this year looks like it will be considerably higher.
What enemy combatant was responsible for these losses? The Taliban? al-Qaida? No, these American soldiers were killed by themselves. All suicides, and more every day.
The military’s top-ranking officers are asking what Congress and all of us are asking — why? Some have said it’s simply a matter of time — nine years in one unending battle zone.
But not all of those suicides took place in combat areas. Some were here at home. Many have been attributed to the absence of a certain and permanent return to civilian life and family. Multiple deployments can do destructive things to a soldier’s mind. And if he is mentally fragile, all too often counseling and treatment is considered — unmanly. My God. Can there be anything more tragic than finding out that the friendly fire that killed your kid was from his own hand?
Listen to McMahon on News/Talk 92.3 KTAR every Sunday on The God Show at 6:30 a.m. and midnight; and The McMahon Group at 4 p.m.
