Policy Change: Combat Suicide Condolence Letters

President Obama is changing a long-standing policy of not sending letters of condolence to families of service members who commit suicide on the battlefield.

"I am deeply grateful for the service of all our men and women in uniform, and grieve for the loss of those who suffer from the wounds of war - seen and unseen."

The President says he has been committed to removing the stigma associated with mental health issues. So, after consulting with the Secretary of Defense and the military chain of command, he's changing the policy.

Families of service members who commit suicide while at war will now receive condolence letters.

"This decision was made after a difficult and exhaustive review of the former policy, and I did not make it lightly," President Obama said.

"They didn’t die because they were weak."