Pvt. Keiffer Wilhelm went to Iraq with a new platoon. He had volunteered to go early. He committed suicide 10 days after arriving. His death lead to an investigation into the abuse. .
Now four soldiers are facing charges for mistreating their fellows. "Allegations include verbal abuse, physical punishment and ridicule toward the soldiers." [Associated Press]
suicide is a very sad and tragic affair, the folks that serve in our arm forces have always been just as prone to this as society in general. it was a problem for soldiers in post in the "wild west" days also, wwi,ww2,vietnam, kuwait, irag.what gives now that is different.
Posted by: howell clark | September 23, 2009 at 06:00 PM
The cause attributed is unfortunately believable.
The military opened its doors wide to support Bush, Cheney, & PNAC's wars - and when young and idealistic American youths are suddenly thrust among the - rare but present - sadistic borderline psychopaths, the adjustment can be formidable.
Too formidable, for some.
Posted by: ibsteve2u | September 01, 2009 at 12:55 PM