Three times as many California soldiers died after coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan between 2005 and 2008 than died on the battlefield. According to an analysis of death certificates by the Bay Citizen, the death rate for returned soldiers under 35 is vastly higher than for civilians who never served. In addition to suicides among returning soldiers, many engaged in high-risk activities that in some cases proved lethal.
- More: "After Service, Veteran Deaths Surge" - by Aaron Glantz, at BayCitizen.org