Government Property

November 13, 2007, CBS News did and investigation on the rising number of suicides amongst military veterans. They listed countless quotes from family members who were in disbelief of this notable epidemic:

"I just felt like this silent scream inside of me," said Jessica Harrell, the sister of a soldier who took his own life.

"I opened up the door and there he was," recalled Mike Bowman, the father of an Army reservist.

"I saw the hose double looped around his neck," said Kevin Lucey, another military father.

"He was gone," said Mia Sagahon, whose soldier boyfriend committed suicide.

I can't even begin to speculate what took these soldiers over the edge. Being a veteran of Desert Shield/Storm, I know only a small portion of the fear and isolation that goes with being in a foreign country; especially one plagued by war.

Not just the presence of being there. But simply being in a place, waiting patiently for the unknown. Our current conflict is filled with people just sitting and waiting to die.

As I read accounts of the military's response to the allegations from family members that our government is not doing enough to get better healthcare for veteran's, I recall a rant that was barked at us daily during basic training. It still rings in my ears - - YOU ARE NOW GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AIRMAN!!!!!! As my tech sergeant in the Air Force yelled those words in my face I realized that I was expendable. I never knew on what level. Just, expendable.

During basic training we were told to make sure we reported any issues that may complicate our mission. One of my bunk mates explained that there was something going on at home with her baby who was several months old and if she could get permission to call to check on that issue. "The Air Force didn't issue you a baby airman! Get back in line!!!" Needless to say this young mother stood in line at attention almost choking on the lump in her throat; trying furiously not to cry.