Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Army Shrinks—Minus 5— Deployed to Afghanistan

Psych specialists lost five in shooting by fellow psychiatrist

By Jen Paton,  Newser User

Posted Dec 5, 2009 6:45 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – The unit of psychiatric specialists who were among those fired on by rogue psychiatrist Nadal Malik Hasan Nov. 5th, seeing five comrades killed and 17 wounded, left for Afghanistan yesterday, right on schedule, reports the Washington Post. "This promises to be the most challenging year of our lives, though we have already faced our first battleground,” said a colonel in the detachment, which lost its major, staff sergeant, and sergeant.

The mental-health specialists, who range from veterans of multiple tours to recent college grads with degrees in psychology, offer soldiers counseling and treatment on the frontlines, sometimes helicoptering to remote areas to do so. The decision was made the day of the shooting not to delay deployment. After the shooting, they had to pass their own psychiatric screening and requalify for combat readiness. The soldiers are wearing black bracelets engraved with the names of their slain comrades.

A U.S. soldier walks while patrolling in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday, Dec.2, 2009.
A U.S. soldier walks while patrolling in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday, Dec.2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
U.S. soldiers stand guard while patrolling in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday, Dec.2, 2009.
U.S. soldiers stand guard while patrolling in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday, Dec.2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
0%
0%
25%
75%
0%
0%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
fiestygirl
Dec 6, 2009 12:47 PM CST
Thank you for your comment. As a veteran, I am completely supportive of our troops and continually concerned for their safety. I would prefer that the operations that they are conducting overseas stay out of the media for their own safety. Both my husband and I served our country in the Army and we know that it is not easy to be away from loved ones at this time of year. No matter what anyone's political beliefs are, it is important to realize that these brave men and women are the reason we are able to continue to speak freely and enjoy the freedoms we have. They are the back bone of this country. We must all remember this.
bahari@bellsouth.net
Dec 5, 2009 6:06 AM CST
We as Americans to be more supportive of our soldiers. Some actually loves serving their country and also our country. Instead of questions them and their decision to serve, let us just keep praying that they ALL come back to us, safe.
US • Health • World

 
mental health • psychology • Army Reserves • Fort Hood • Fort Hood shooting

More Newser Stories

Suspect Shouts Name of Accused Ft. Hood Shooter

Cops: Soldier Admits Plot to Attack Fort Hood

Hasan Faces Military Trial, Death Penalty

Fort Hood Hearing Hits Speed Bump

'Mama's Boys' Have Better Mental Health
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne