PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — More than 500 Oregon Army National Guard soldiers are mobilizing this week for Iraq amid continued concerns over soldier suicides.
The Oregonian reports that the death of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Gross in February was instrumental in each departing soldier meeting face-to-face with a chaplain.
Gross was found dead in his locked car off a farm road outside Hermiston. The Umatilla County medical examiner ruled the death a suicide but Gross’ family called for a second investigation and the case has been reopened.
Suicide has become an issue of troop readiness and force strength. Three Oregon Guard soldiers have died in combat since 2007 and 14 have died by suicide.
