Today, October 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives speak on her recently introduced Save Our Servicemembers (SOS) Act.
Mdm. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an issue that has become a national crisis that must be immediately addressed.
Serving in the Army for 24-years as a nurse and physician from the Vietnam era to the first Gulf War, I have seen many of my fellow veterans suffering from anxiety, depression, survivors’ guilt, and PTSD. Many veterans are still living with those scars, and without proper care and treatment, mental health crises can make everyday life a struggle or even life-threatening.
Yesterday, I partnered with my fellow veterans, Congressman Ruben Gallego, a Corporal in the Marine Corps, Senator Joni Ernst, a fellow Iowan, and a fellow Army Lt. Colonel, and Senator Mark Kelly, a Captain in the Navy, to introduce the Save Our Servicemembers Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct the Pentagon to evaluate the effectiveness of its suicide prevention efforts and to improve its data collection, reduce bureaucratic duplication, and strengthen collaboration between its offices.
I am heartbroken at the continued rise in suicides in the veteran community. It is no secret that our servicemembers often face invisible challenges when they return to civilian life, and we must do a better job of addressing their needs. We need to look into all of our mental health and suicide prevention programs to better service our heroes, and I am proud to partner with an incredible group of veterans in Congress on this legislation.
I want you to know that you are not alone and that there are people who care and are trained to help you in any mental health crisis you might face. I encourage everyone to check in on your family and friends because sometimes the deepest wounds are the ones that you cannot see.
Original source can be found here
