VFA News Analysis: June 12, 2009

The Army suicide rate, compounded by stress and multiple-deployments, too little pre- and post-deployment care and a stigma against seeking help, leapt even higher in May — more than doubling April’s rate of suicides. At least 17 suicides were reported in May.

Another death of a soldier at a warrior transition center…

US Marines will leave Iraq by the spring of 2010; Iraqi leaders talk about the pullout without mentioning the American forces who have helped create stability. Meanwhile, violence in Afghanistan hit a peak last week, according to Gen. David Petraeus. The US is gaining more control in the fight in Afghanistan, but could that have anything to do with Qaeda figures in the region decamping for Yemen and Somalia and other havens?

New Jersey welcomes home some 2,900 Guard members. Welcome home, and remember to seek the treatment you need. You are owed nothing less, says Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. For our women veterans, they also sometimes must deal with assault and harassment too.

Some resources for military families…

More dwell time for the Marines?

Despite having a good recruiting year, May was a bad month for Guard and Reserve recruiters.

Congress reaches a compromise on war funding. And a House panel keeps its promise on a bigger military pay raise.

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