Iraq vet reported missing in northern Minnesota found dead

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1328123.html

An Iraq war veteran from Mountain Iron, reported missing in northern Minnesota, has been found dead, said Deputy Joe Skofich of the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department.

Pierce, 23, went missing Wednesday afternoon after he sent several friends text messages that he was suicidal, the St. Louis County Sheriff said. Pierce was last seen at the house where he lived and left home with a .38 caliber revolver and a 30.06 rifle, the sheriff said.

Pierce, who served in Iraq and was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, was found around 9:30 p.m. Thursday night, the sheriff said.

:cry:

this republicon administration doesn't support the troops.

:cry:

Yet another layer to the sadness that is Iraq. My thoughts go out to the family. Peace, Kim

I wonder how many Iraq vets have committed suicide.

Deaths: Self-Inflicted

As reported by the DoD as of 6/30/2007

Self Inflicted................Army........Navy....Marines......Air Force......Total
Died of Self-Inflicted wounds...98............4........14..............0........116


I am not certain if this includes the vets or just the active-duty suicides

There are some in theatre; some while still active duty but in hospital; and some like this one.

When they agree that the PTSD was a direct cause, the casualty review board typically lists it as a casualty of the conflict. I expect those are the only ones listed here . That is, the 116 are part of the overall count of 3646. No doubt there are some more that are "grey area"