Devastating statistics
The Department of the Army just released statistics for 2012 showing that there have been more deaths due to suicide over combat-related deaths. This year alone there has been 212 deaths because of combat, a number too high, but 303 deaths have been from suicide. The Department of the Army included the 303 suicides are from soldiers in active duty, Reserve, and the National Guard.
Wait, Water Plants Could Be Unsafe?
Cancel your vacation plans to any water plants in the Middle East. American defense contractor KBR was recently ordered to settle with the United States National Guard in response to a toxic chemical issue. About a dozen soldiers took up the lawsuit, claiming KBR knew all along that they were being exposed to a drug called “carcinogen hexavalent chromium” at an Iraqi water facility. A judge in Portland, Oregon ordered the settlement of $85 million with each individual member of the National Guard receiving around $7 million. The soldiers are currently suffering from respiratory issues, trouble breathing, and skin conditions that will require extensive health care for the immediate future.