Husband's suicide was to avoid ninth deployment, widow says

conseula said on August 31, 2011 at 5:27 PM

I have said it before and I am saying it again..the problem lies within the leadership of the officers at Ft. Lewis McChord.. These McChord Ft. Lewis soldiers are/have been coming in to Seattle University District and robbing (with guns) and beating up defensless college students on the streets, in the alleys behind their fraternity houses, walking home!! Usually when you have "problem children" you need to look into what is going on in the home...i.e. Ft. Lewis/McChord..

BlueStarMom said on August 26, 2011 at 5:35 AM

This is so sad. I would like to say this though. I wonder if he was on any anti-depressants. They are prescribed all the time. While they do help they can be very dangerous. A person may take them and feel fine for a while and then they have a different affect and the meds need to be changed. Also, missing doses will cause spirals where moods can range from very depressed to very violent. The person cannot control and rarely understands these feelings. You must be under close supervision from a Dr. to get off of them as well. You CANNOT just quit taking them, you need to be weened off of them, which could take months. I fear a lot of these suicides have to do with medications. Just my opinion.

hampster1230 said on August 26, 2011 at 5:32 AM

My best friend and the father of my child had gone on multiple deployments through the years. He had gone on more than 3 -5 during his time without volunteering. He committed suicide in 2006. It was officially ruled by the military as PTSD. When he came home, he went through the "channels" as someone previously posted. Those "channels" sent him to counseling. The psychologists started him on anti-depressants. He saw a different psychologist each time he went. Within the two months between his return and his death. The different psychologists had upped his dose of anti-depressants to the maximum dose. The military failed him. He served his country proudly for ten years. He had many awards that he received for his service. It was not until a few more suicides that they started doing something more for returning troops. So all of you who are giving the wife a hard time, back off. Walk in her shoes before you speak a word against her.

psg265 said on August 25, 2011 at 6:23 PM

All of you saying that the facts aren't correct are horrible people. As the wife of a Ranger who has had 4 deployments during his 4 years of service I can say that every time there is a death in battalion the Family Readiness Group notifies us. NO ONE WAS TOLD ANYTHING ABOUT HIS DEATH. They did try to keep it as quiet as possible. There have been NO memorial services for him at Fort Lewis. If he did recently reenlist it would be easy to understand why. He had a family to support! There are VERY few jobs available in this country right now. Being in the Army ensures that you not only have a paycheck but healthcare for your whole family. Their deployments are shorter than the regular Army but they are on call 24/7. They get no days off and are usually out for at least 12 hours at a time on very serious missions. They don't sit behind desks or go out on walking patrols for a few hours and come back to a FOB.

CPTAmerica said on August 25, 2011 at 7:44 AM

I think the larger issue here is this unending war. As a people we have lost track of who we are and where we're going. No youngster raising his right hand and swearing allegiance to serve in uniform knows what he's getting into until his boots have been on the grond for a while. The real tragedy here is that most of our young people today volunteer to serve their country - an extremely noble act, only to eventually find out that they are being used to line some polital or corporate leader's pockets. What kind of country allows its children to be used in such a way.... like ball bearing grease to run an eternal war machine. Yes indeed here we are again: Where have all the flowers gone?

fight4freedom said on August 24, 2011 at 6:18 PM

hmmm...not all the facts are in....in fact there are two investigations on-going at this time. check out the latest AP story that came out tonight. He was buried in his hometown with FULL military honors and complete support from the Battalion. He was going on his seventh deployment not his ninth -- and special ops deployments are much shorter than conventional Army. He reenlisted in January for SIX years. If my husband held a gun to his head in my presence (three times no less) -- I think I'd have to call someone.

nguminh said on August 24, 2011 at 4:37 PM

that is what happen when you throw all the good men out. The one that needs comfort when they are mentally drain and has no where to turn. the good men can help them and walk them through life. they throw all of us out and create the new military.

america said on August 24, 2011 at 9:52 AM

Wait until the war is over And we're both a little older The unknown soldier...... Breakfast where the news is read Television children fed Unborn living, living, dead Bullet strikes the helmet's head...... And it's all over For the unknown soldier It's all over For the unknown soldier...... Hut Hut Hut ho hee up Hut Hut Hut ho hee up Hut Hut Hut ho hee up Comp'nee Halt Preeee-zent! Arms!..... Make a grave for the unknown soldier Nestled in your hollow shoulder The unknown soldier..... Breakfast where the news is read Television children fed Bullet strikes the helmet's head...... And, it's all over The war is over It's all over The war is over Well, all over, baby All over, baby Oh, over, yeah All over, baby Wooooo, hah-hah All over All over, baby Oh, woa-yeah All over All over Heeeeyyyy.....

america said on August 24, 2011 at 9:45 AM

The Fallen Soldier Fallen Soldier All Alone Fallen Soldier Far From Home. Trickling Down His Face A Tear, Forgetting How It Feels To Fear Death And All It's Fate And Glory. Now It's Here, No Need To Worry. Fallen Soldier All Alone Fallen Soldier Far From Home He's One Of Those They'll All Forget; The Life He Lived, The Goals He Set, The Ones He Loved, The Ones Who Wait To See His Nearly Forgotten Face. Fallen Soldier All Alone Fallen Soldier Far From Home Now Breathing's Just A Waste Of Breath And Living's Just A Waste Of Death As He Searches For A New Address; A Brand New Home Free Of Loneliness. Fallen Soldier All Alone Fallen Soldier Far From Home Lying Motionless On The Ground, The Battle Raging All Around. For Now He Is Not All Alone. This Fallen Soldier Is Welcomed Home. by Branden Hidalgo

zaxxon7469 said on August 23, 2011 at 9:38 PM

9 tours in less than 10 years of Anti-terror warfare. Sounds like he voulnterred for a few more than he would have had. for the most part they tried to have 12 in country and even though the army says 12 at home 9 months was the norm. so the average soldier of 10 years should have 3-5 deployments. having nine ment he vountrered. If he was having issues, well there are chanels. Granted being an Iraq Vet, I am still fighting for my benefits now 6 years post deployment. so I will side on the spouse and give the her the benifit of the doubt that the Army medical command has its colective head up it 4th point of contact, when it comes to PTSD, and the wellfare and being of the troops.

Carmen_McMila3e said on August 23, 2011 at 8:28 PM

jpublic is absolutly right. Unfortunatly King5 doesnt know the whole story and neither do all of you. It's not as she made it out to be.

officerfriendly said on August 23, 2011 at 5:31 PM

Wow..jpublic...very eloquent (look it up) statement on your apparent knowledge of Ashley's intelligence. Remember, what you say about others says more about you. I'm with Smith; this is a place to post your views on the story. Not a forum for degrading people you don't even know. You also don't appear to have been a combat soldier; stated you had been a military soldier. How do you know then what it takes to go into combat and witness things that the general public is blessed not to see? Your military experience could not be the same as anybody else as we are all individuals. If you want to trash people you don't know, get a talk show. Otherwise, learn the facts before judging others.

gocougs13 said on August 23, 2011 at 3:20 PM

"This is a time of war and in times of war there is killing and dying,” said the chaplain. “For one thing that cannot happen effectively during war is grieving because this war will not stop to give us that time. “So the numbness you experience, the callous attitude you may have, your inability to cry like normal people during times of grief is not a burden or a curse that you should be concerned about. It is actually a blessing from God that allows you to continue in this fight. “You are warriors with hearts of steel that have allowed you to fight a brutal war day in and day out. You are not normal people, you are soldiers, American soldiers who go outside the wire and accomplish your mission in spite of the reality that every step, every movement mounted or dismounted could possibly be your last.” “The true test of man, is not whether he can stand the times of comfort and convenience, but rather how he responds to the times of hardship and controversy.”

westcovina said on August 23, 2011 at 3:18 PM

jpublic...you certainly are a very cold hearted person. you must not have been in the middle of war to talk the way you did. shame on you to ridicule the soldiers of today. i personally know of several people who have pst and the same thing happens to them, they get sent to a military approved mental hospital for a few months while they drug them up and then they let them go back into society and write a bunch of RX for them while they have done absolutely nothing to actually help their PTSD.

hatedit said on August 23, 2011 at 3:03 PM

This is horrible that the Army knew he had PTSD and still gave him orders to defend the country that wouldnt protect him from himself. SHAME ON U. US ARMY.

jpublic said on August 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Ashly is dumb, stupid, and ignorant. If he needed help there are several, I repeat, several different channels to go to and through. He was a soldier, being paid to be a soldier. He accepted all of the benefits that go with the job. Odd, that he never opted out of the service ? As a former Military soldier, sounds like her nagging may have put him over the edge if in fact it was suicide. Too many soldiers want the money and benefits without having to pay the price or do the responsibility of being what they are paid to do. The Military isn't a freebee hand out aid society.

bgandbugs said on August 23, 2011 at 2:14 PM

My heart breaks for this family! And we will be hearing more and more about this number of deployments. As the "regular" military is pulled out - the plan is to use Rangers, SEALS and other spec. ops more and more to handle the load. Bob.b - "Baby" killers...Ugh! I am soooo sorry for the way you were treated. Most of the time people are much better these days at supporting the military personnel regardless of politics. I think most people learned that lesson from the horrible experiences you had to endure on your return "home". Hopefully you'll never have to hear those rotten words used against you again. My dad (now 72 yrs old) was out walking his dog and had a couple accost him last week with those words - angry that he was wearing his Viet Nam Vet hat and "wanting to share how they felt about it with him." I didn't think anyone was that cold and heartless anymore!!!! Poor guy was shaking by the time he got home. If that couple happens to read this -SHAME ON YOU!!!!

emptynestr said on August 23, 2011 at 1:15 PM

More than one tour of active duty overseas is more than enough for anyone yet our Government is sending the same people there over and over and over again and 8 and 9 times out to be more than enough sacrifice for anyone. This is just outrageous and then not to give this man a full military funeral is an insult. What have we as a nation come to anyway???? I was totally shocked to hear that this man was expected to go on a 9th tour over seas. It would drive anyone crazy seeing the horrors that our military people are subjected to over there. Something needs to change and change fast if this is what is going on and no one seems to be thinking it is not ok. What the heck is with our heads of Government anyway? Obama has this blood on his hand for sure. And denial will not ba acceptable. We need to vote tis guy out of office. I am totally appauled by this man's deaht and what drove him to kill himself. I am so sorry for his family as well. They don't deserve this.

justaguy1267 said on August 23, 2011 at 1:05 PM

@unconnected..what a loser you are! You probably wouldn't need the drug addict story because they don't accept illiterates these days anyway! This is an all volunteer army in case you didn't know. Our best young people CHOOSE to enlist for many good reasons, your type need not apply...you couldn't hang. I can be glad that people like you will never be in charge of anything past a toilet plunger.

Robert_Smith95e said on August 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM

This website is not the place to complain about why our soldiers are fighting. They are fighting because they were told to, under pain of court martial, and under an oath of service. The same oath I have taken. Go spout your political views about why the government is ordering us to fight and whether or not we belong there somewhere else. The bottom line here is that he served his country, and served it well. He should have a military funeral, he is owed one. As for the miltary wives with revolving doors while husbands are deployed, and ones that send dear john letters to husbands on deployment, the ones that complain of loneliness and abuse while the husband is home: If you truly loved your husband you would not abandon him no matter what. Get him help. Remember that no matter what he puts you through he has been through stuff 100x worse for you and your family. Till death do you part, or did that oath mean nothing to you? Divorcing a soldier with PTSD? Shame on you.

jinxedagain said on August 23, 2011 at 12:22 PM

@Gritz, I am with you. If all the info is out, the military should be ashamed of themselves. But I too fear there is much more to this story than we are being given. My condolences go out to this young family

unconnected said on August 23, 2011 at 11:53 AM

Rule numero 1 dont join the service....tell them you are a drug addict they will say goodbye!

agirlinseattle said on August 23, 2011 at 10:44 AM

The way we treat some of our soldiers and their family is absolutely disgusting! 8 deployments could drive any sane person over the edge! The US Military uses these men and women & toss them in the trash once they are no longer useable. Revolting!

yessir said on August 23, 2011 at 10:31 AM

very tragic for this family. My prayers to them.

sharonmac3 said on August 23, 2011 at 10:21 AM

That poor boy. They drove him to his death. so sad. Now they are not going to acknowledge the fact that he served 8 tours for his country and he just didn't see any way out except suicide. That is so unconscienable for the Army to treat him like an outcast because he just couldn't take it anymore. They push those boys to the end and must think they are machines. Well, they aren't and they need more mental help than they receive. SCUM!!!

allsmilesaround said on August 23, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Horribly sad to have lost someone this way.. hopefully he will be honored the way he should be. I agree with rick3 "The Army is dishonoring this SSGT by declining to give him the honored warrior service he has earned.." Would be nice to end all this sooner rather than later. “War is a poor chisel to carve out tomorrow.”

kbbcoop said on August 23, 2011 at 10:10 AM

If Bush was in office most of the posters here would be crucifying him over this. I love how Obama gets a total pass. It was Obama who re-surged in Afghanistan. Why are we still there???

Stacie_Eder_9b7 said on August 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM

This is unacceptable. The 8 tours in the Middle East are SO MUCH more than enough to deserve a military funeral. It's so much more than enough to destroy a person. No matter how exactly he died, it seems clearly related to his service and a matter for the Army to take responsibility for. Military funerals are often held for members that do not die in combat -- this is ridiculous. My stepfather did receive military honors for a non-combat, service-related death. It would have been trauma on top of trauma had we not even had that. This is a huge issue among service families. When the whole family gives years of their life to the military, it is absolutely unconscionable that the military would deny them an honorable recognition. It makes no sense that even though the face of the Army is publicly trying to increase their recognition and treatment of PTSD, a soldier who died as a result of his combat service would be treated this way.

rick3 said on August 23, 2011 at 9:40 AM

And God Bless Senator Patty Murray (and I am a Republican). May she continue to serve our country and our veterans.

rick3 said on August 23, 2011 at 9:39 AM

Suicidality is an effect of PTSD, particularly combat related PTSD. All returning soldiers should recognize the symptoms by now. Your fellow soldier needs to be dragged to the appropriate resources by his buddies if necessary rather than playing the "macho" game and denying the problem. It only gets worse. The Army is dishonoring this SSGT by declining to give him the honored warrior service he has earned just because he likely committed suicide. No excuse JBLM - no excuses anymore. Get off your REMF butts and address the problems.

bob.b said on August 23, 2011 at 9:34 AM

The military has always operated like this. But how would you like to come home from a two year deployment only to be spat on by people walking through the airport.. At least now the public welcomes you home. When I served everyone disrespected you as a "Baby" killers even though you faced the jail if you didn't go when the goverment called you. You had no choice and you were hated for it.

lksproodle said on August 23, 2011 at 9:11 AM

My husband has been very ill from agent orange for years of surgeries and the list goes on.We are now being asked to prove he was in Viet Nam and in contaminated regions?? The research we have had to do is next to impossible trying to find records and the government expects us to do all the work only to deny claims.And it is happening to thousands-it is the biggest government cover up and they try to sweep EVERYTHING under the carpet.They hope everyone dies or just gives up so that they don't have to own what they have done to our men and women.

Kimberly_Nor29f said on August 23, 2011 at 9:04 AM

They way the military is treating her is no surprise to me. my husband had only done 4 deployments in 4 years and each time he came home he was more and more violent. to the point of lockin me in closets while pregnant ...ripping fingernails one by one off each hand.... hitting his oldest so `hard hed leave hand print bruises on him he was arrested more then once for domestic violence but the military had the files sealed so I couldnt use them in divorce against him. I asked the military for help not only for the kids and I but also for him . They refused to help they stated " we do not want our military members medicated" They wouldnt even help me get the kids and I out of the home and somewhere safe. Being a military wife is hard....but the military itself could make it a bit easier on us by giving us the help we ask for.

TheOtherSide said on August 23, 2011 at 8:44 AM

The way the military is behaving makes me sick. They want soldiers. They get them. Then force them to do multiple deployments. Then after doing what is asked of them and then some, they get the shaft, so to say. I have heard some stories lately that make me hang my head in shame due to the Army's treatment of their soldiers. The soldiers and their families put their lives out there for all of us. They DESERVE proper respect, benefits, and burial. Don't continue to make soldiers or their families homeless because you don't deem them worthy, on your terms, after serving 9 tours.

aziza said on August 23, 2011 at 8:38 AM

This is so disgusting for me! Our country uses these soldiers like widgets and then deposits them like trash! When they come home, there's nothing for them. I am so sorry for the family and their loss. I am so sorry our country has let so many veterans down, and I sincerely hope that almost new recruits heed to what they are seeing happening to our current soldiers and run the other way.

goamerica said on August 23, 2011 at 8:34 AM

@hippiescum....... Exactly the response/rant I figured I'd get from someone like you. LOL.

rite2post said on August 23, 2011 at 8:33 AM

@ hippiescum & scott_bellevue. Thank You. I was feeling the exact same way. We have not fought for freedom for a very long time. The cold war was the last war that came close to fighting for freedom. Now it's all greed and power. We only need to defend our boarder if freedom was in jeopardy. All of the current wars are to invade other land for OIL. We can do our part and consume less OIL. That's the least we can do to save our future brothers and sisters from being sent to the slaughterhouse. Get rid of SUVs and large trucks, that's the first step.

gritz said on August 23, 2011 at 8:12 AM

Airforce 1985 - Seems to me that you are taken full advantage of your short unproductive time in the military.The issues that your discribe have very little to nothing to do with your time in the service. I think that if you were a bus driver, you still would be on Prozac, becasue of your childhood experiences.You have been able to soak hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of medical expenses for your four years of peacetime service. You blame the military for your alcohlism and the apparent nonproductive 26 years since your brief stint. If you are trying to compare your life to this soldiers deployments, you are so far off base its not funny. Last but not least. Some things should remain private.

scott_bellevue said on August 23, 2011 at 7:54 AM

This is the cost of war. We've been in two wars now for about ten years. A decade of war for oil, and this is the cost. Isn't it time we bring home our troops and have them defend our country instead of imperial quests for oil?

jsdavis58 said on August 23, 2011 at 7:53 AM

First I want to send my prayers to Jared's family. I knew Jared as he went to bootcamp and then was in the Ranger's unit at Fort Lewis with my son. As I remember Jared, he was a quiet, adoring man. Very proud to be serving his country. I am NOT a bit surprised by the way the Army has handled this situation. They (army co's) tell the soldiers that it is a sign of weakness to ask for help with mental issues, such that Jared was suffering from. If you don't take care of the mental issues that come up how can you have a productive soldier? or military for that matter!! I am appalled that the army wants to sweep this under the rug. I myself will be posting this on fb. I think the national news needs to get wind of this. My son joined the military to fight for our rights and freedom along with the rights of others in the world. I am EXTREMELY proud of him and all the soldiers that are over there.

stoneguy said on August 23, 2011 at 6:38 AM

I totally agree with you "kingsolver1000rr"! It's sad when the military asks SO much and delivers SO little. The military should help with the burial of one of their own, not turn their back on vets that have done 8 tours overseas. I'm ashamed to say I'm an American when I see how we treat our own military. I can say that I'm a vet too!

hippiescum said on August 23, 2011 at 5:52 AM

@goamerica Gee whiz.... Do you get so emotional when America is killing civilians overseas for resources? Could be this poor soldier was depressed about the futility of his mission, like others I have spoken with. Blind patriots (goamerica, yeah right) like yourself make me sick. It's a political issue because politicians send young men and women off to war, get it?? They also decide what happens to them when they get back, get it?? Being prior military doesn't excuse you from being an idiot.

vanceox said on August 23, 2011 at 5:50 AM

My heart & my prayers go out to Jared's wife & family. Our troops should defend our country.....here IN our country, NOT in 120 different nations! BRING 'EM HOME NOW!!!!!

kingsolver1000rr said on August 23, 2011 at 1:35 AM

should get Jesse Jones on this and get his funeral and family taken care of

avianrescue said on August 23, 2011 at 12:25 AM

God Bless our military. A huge thank you to all our men and women keeping this country safe. They are not the politicians. They are the heros!!

jgcimino said on August 22, 2011 at 11:48 PM

So you work a soldier to death and then don't inter him with military honors because you're afraid of being embarrassed by the media. I guess that "moral courage" and making the "hard, right decision" no longer applies once you hit O-4. The 75th are cowards when faced with problems they can't shoot.

shellycantrell said on August 22, 2011 at 10:48 PM

some things about the military will never change my dad did 25 yrs. in the military an he still fights for what he should get for his time served. i think it's a shame for him and his family the military owes the men who serve this country to take care of them no questions asked they fight for us we should support them including our so called government. vets derseve alot more than our government does for them so if they can't say it i will....THANKS TO ALL OUR VETS WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS AN FREEDOM I SALUTE YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE !!!!!

tacomanewsguy said on August 22, 2011 at 10:29 PM

Thoughts and condolences with the family and friends of the serviceman. The army has screwed up here. They have shown they don't care about their service members or their families. They should have gotten help for the service member (before it was to late) and his family.

baristababy said on August 22, 2011 at 10:10 PM

i don't see this as a place to argue politics, it is a place to send our support and condolences to the family. how horrible this must be for them, and how sad he felt the only answer to his problems was suicide. i wish the army could have had some empathy for the anguish he was feeling. sad all around :(

excoastie said on August 22, 2011 at 10:07 PM

Imagine if our leaders would for once, fight their own battles, instead of hiding under a desk and sending countless others to sacrifice in their place. Signed, Voluntary Veteran.

hippiescum said on August 22, 2011 at 9:08 PM

@bazwest Uh, pardon me, but this is a total political party issue. Do a web search on republicans voting against veterans or just examine the voting records across both parties. Facts are facts. Republicons like to make up their own facts -- it's so magical!!! It's a simple matter of voting records. Even "war hero" McCain voted consistently against help for veterans and their families. Republicons during both administrations have failed the veterans, and this is why the armed forces have a horrendous suicide rate, not to mention PTSD and depleted uranium poisoning. Go to practically any veterans website and see what they say.

sagarcia said on August 22, 2011 at 9:06 PM

The army has long had a policy to look the other way when it comes to mental health issues and it's soldiers. My ex-husband was diagnosed with severe PTSD and TBI that resulted in brain DEATH in areas of his brain affecting judgement, personality, impulse control, as well as emotion. He did not get any form of treatment in fear it would mess with his promotion ability. Since then there have been many issues arising where the safety of our children has been questioned while they are in his care, and anyone who watches his behavior can tell that he has severe problems. His command is blind if they don't notice and when I have attempted to contact them to get assistance on issues concerning our children, his commander was not helpful. He and I have been in and out of court for over a year and yet no one questions why. He was served with a restraining order at his unit and no one has questions. Why, because he can still aim and shoot and it would cost more in treatment. For shame!!

bazwest said on August 22, 2011 at 8:38 PM

@hippiescum this is not a political party issue, but since you are content to make it one I guess I will point out yet again that there has been a democrat in the White House for years now acting as Commander and Chief and the Dems controlled the house during much of Bush's presidency; they still control the Senate. Its time for the democrats, the party of "It's not my fault," to share if not own the responsibility for this one.

javateresa said on August 22, 2011 at 8:29 PM

This makes me very sad. If the military knew what his problems were, why did they not help? I have not served in the military but my Dad did. He sufferred major depression after my mom asked him for a divorce. He got the help he needed, even before "depression" was mainstrean. This gentleman was obviously active in his duty serving our country - why was his family left to deal with these problems on thier own? Condolences to the family. I hope you have good friends and god-loving family to help you through this tragedy. Our country let you down...and I am sorry for that.

charleylechein said on August 22, 2011 at 8:03 PM

I served on active duty for six years and seven months from December 1973 until July 1980. After serving active duty I spent another four years in the Army Reserve from July 1980 to July 1984. There are many combat arms soldiers (Infantry, Artillery, Armor) and aviation soldiers doing tour after tour because the active Army has fewer soldiers. Fewer soldiers and requirements for the Army to be where they are needed makes the multiple tour necessary. After 1993, at least 4 divisions were deactivated. Less active duty and an increased demand. PTSD used to be called "battle fatigue". Mental health services have not kept up with the numbers of men and women having PTSD. Multiple tours further push soldiers the need for counselors AND a longer break in deployments. In 1975, I deployed for six months. In 1976, I deployed again for six months. In 1977, I re-enlisted for another job (MOS) and school to stop my 3rd deployment. Less divisions today, more deployments. 2AD1/41Inf

Prometheus63 said on August 22, 2011 at 7:55 PM

My thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and friends of this soldier. Still open like a festering sore are the two insane and useless wars that this country seems hell bent on continuing. When will we ever learn to simply mind our own business? No American lives, or our treasury, are worth wasting in these two armpit of the planet camel jockey hellholes that have not changed for the better in recorded history. God bless this man, and to Hell with Iraq and "Afghastlystan." Enough is enough. Peace, Prometheus

Sir_Real said on August 22, 2011 at 7:23 PM

No military burial because of media coverage? Bush somehow kept the media away from the thousands buried after being killed in his war.

gritz said on August 22, 2011 at 7:10 PM

Without knowing all the details I will not rush in and voice an opinion about whats, what. As a twenty year vet, I am a little perplexed and have been around enough to know that all the facts are not out.

quiquine61 said on August 22, 2011 at 6:54 PM

they take them in, break them and discard them .... Disgusting.... My heart goes out to this young widow and her children. Makes me ashamed for our country...

bigjohn32003 said on August 22, 2011 at 6:48 PM

its getting very sad when our goverment treats the service men and woman in this way.But it has been proven that our goverment does not take care of the men and woman who fight for our freedom. some day i hope we as people will take a stand and call bs and demand that our goverment show a little respect.Its time to quit paying the people in office and make it a honor to do so and let them work just like the rest of us and also have to fight for our freedoms.

chevelle70ss said on August 22, 2011 at 6:41 PM

I am just irritated that our own country isnt taking care of our own guys that are dying to protect well basically other countries (at this point). Did we not learn anything from vietnam?

hippiescum said on August 22, 2011 at 6:37 PM

I'm sure we'll once again hear very little from our resident Republicons, whose party always votes against helping veterans and active duty soldiers. Just keep wavin' that flag folks, and while your at it, stick a couple more ribbons on your vehicles.

lin1945 said on August 22, 2011 at 6:12 PM

The Army cannot, can it, be so insensitive to deny one of their own a military burial? I think after 8 deployments he has earned our respect and certainly consideration of the military heads. Shame on all of you that made the decision to not honor Staff Sgt Jared Hagemann.

lmariec said on August 22, 2011 at 5:48 PM

If it's true that the Army will not will not hold a memorial service for this service person, it is outrageous! The Army needs to acknowledge and take care of those suffering from PTSD and/or mental health issues. The military's lack of care for these personnel is embarrassing and unfair. If military personnel suffer from "unseen" wounds and damage they need to be cared for just an any other wounded would be cared for.