e-Claire

Arrogance?

more crust than a pie factory

U.S. Senator Presidential Candidate Barack Obama today sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: ...

Dear Secretary Gates:

I am writing to inquire as to what action the Department of Defense is taking to stem the disturbing increase in the number of suicides in our Armed Forces. As you know, the Army is experiencing the highest rates of suicide in 26 years, and the number of suicide attempts is also rising. There has also been an increase in the number of soldiers in theater who have killed themselves, including 32 soldiers serving in Iraq last year, according to reports.

These statistics are of great concern to me, as I am sure they are to you as well. We must do everything we can to ensure that our brave service members are provided the mental health services they need. I know the DoD has embarked on some mental health initiatives for our service members and the Congressionally-mandated Mental Health Advisory Team surveys have provided a good window into the mental health issues affecting our troops. These surveys have indicated that soldiers in Afghanistan are now exhibiting mental health stresses at the same rate as our soldiers in Iraq. These surveys also indicate a significant amount of strain on soldiers’ families and spousal relationships. Despite the increased strains on our troops, reports indicate that the ratio of mental health counselors to soldiers in theater has dropped from 1 for every 387 soldiers in 2004 to 1 for every 734 soldiers last year. This downward trend is unacceptable, and does not put the best interests of these men and women first.

The Senate recently passed the Supplemental Appropriations bill, and I ask that you dedicate some portion of those funds to securing the mental health treatment and care our service members deserve, both in theater and here at home, as soon as possible.

I also ask that you provide me with answers to the following questions:

1. What changes will you make to provide our soldiers in theater with real access to mental health care? Will you increase the number of mental health counselors in theater?

2. What training has the Pentagon provided our medical professionals in theater to recognize soldiers who might be at risk of committing suicide?

3. What assistance are you providing families here at home to recognize the risk factors for suicide, so that they may help our service members get the assistance they need?

4. What programs has the Pentagon implemented to help reduce the stigma attached to mental health concerns so that service members are more likely to seek appropriate care?

The men and women in our Armed Services risk their lives every day for our security. We must show them that we understand the sacrifices they are making for us, and do everything we can to stand up for their health, their futures, and their families. The tragedy of suicide can be avoided, so it is our obligation to do what we must to prevent it. I look forward to your swift response.
[emph mine—e~C]

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

United States Senator

Source: Senator Barack Obama

1. Dear Senator Obama,

   Thank you for your letter. As you know, your concerns are of great importance to us at the Department of Defense.

   I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know that we are winning the war in Iraq, and hope to have this ended soon, so that all our men and women can come home to complete their lives in peace.

   Please let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.

   Yours,

   Dr. Robert M. Gates
   Secretary of Defense

   P.S. Give my regards to Michelle.

   Posted by OregonGuy  on  06/10/08  at  07:44 PM

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