Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, DC – On June 21, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-3) and 15 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Warrior Call Day Resolution, which will designate November 12, 2023 as National Warrior Call Day. This would encourage all Americans, especially active-duty and retired servicemembers, to contact someone who has worn or is currently wearing the uniform and connect struggling veterans with mental health services.
“As a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, I have lost over 20 friends to suicide,” said Van Orden. “I am introducing this resolution in response to the death by suicide of Ryan Larkin, who I served with, on April 23, 2017. A National Warrior Call Day would help identify our veterans who are isolating themselves and connect them with the resources they need. I am proud to introduce this resolution with bipartisan support, as we have to move past politics when dealing with those who have given us our freedom.”
As of June 2021, America has lost 30,177 active-duty military personnel and veterans of post 9/11 wars to suicide, according to a Brown University report. The suicide rate among U.S. military veterans is 2.5 times that of all civilians.
“All Americans owe it to the men and women who protect this country to be there for them,” said Frank Larkin, Chief Operating Officer of Troops First and Chair of Warrior Call. “Warrior Call is an every-day mission for many, but through congressional support we hope it can involve so many more Americans for at least one day on the calendar. It is no panacea for the complex challenges our troops and vets face, but connection absolutely matters. One call can truly make a difference in the life of another person.”
Additionally, Van Orden will co-chair a bipartisan Military Mental Health Task Force alongside Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-6). The task force will collaborate with subject matter experts, disseminate information, and provide resources to Members and their staff so they can learn about the challenges facing America’s former and current servicemembers and their families.
Cosponsors of the Warrior Call Day Resolution include Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
Read more from Fox Digital here, or read the full bill text here.
Issues: Veterans
Original source can be found here.
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