The following story is not front page news. It should be front page news on every publication across the United States. This story should be the lead for every news telecast across the land. Private Jonathan Schulze was a decorated Marine:

“Schulze’s father, James, and stepmother, Marianne, who were with him when he tried to be admitted, insist he told in take officials twice that he was suicidal — in person Jan. 11, and the next day over the phone.

Four days later, Schulze hanged himself with a household extension cord in the basement of a New Prague, Minn., apartment where he was living temporarily with a war buddy, Major Eric Satersmoen.”

link: VA chief faces tough questions on budget and veteran’s suicide

This is not an isolated incident. These tragedies simply do not receive the glare of national and international scrutiny that they deserve. The fact of the matter is that returning military people are not receiving adequate care. Each and every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or sentiment about these present military conflicts, own a debt to the men and women who stand in harm’s way. It is a matter of common decency.

More people are being sent into areas of imminent danger. More traumatized fellow citizens will be coming home. Adequate care must be available - for each and every one. It is a disgrace that this even needs to be said.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster: http://flyinghamster.com/

[tags]medical services, Veterans Affairs, veterans, Marine Private Jonathan Schulze, post traumatic stress disorder, catherine forsythe[/tags]