Suicide Among Veterans is Public Health Crisis

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, this is Damon Clayton, the son of my dear friend, Dearborn Heights City Councilwoman Lisa Hicks-Clayton. Today, I rise in honor of his precious life.

Thirteenth District Strong lost Damon to suicide last week at the young age of 28.

One friend wrote: ``This man was a friend and a brother to me. We may not have shared DNA, but we shared a common desire to protect.'' He was a U.S. Army paratrooper in Afghanistan and a firefighter/EMT for the city of Ecorse. ``When we lost Damon, we lost a very special blessing from God. This special soul spent his life protecting us.''

He said: ``I finish my EMT school in 3 weeks. I would like to finish in honor of him. Damon was a factor in my choice to pursue public safety. I want him to always be remembered.''

For me, Damon was dearly loved by so many people, including his parents and his siblings.

Death by suicide among veterans represents a public health crisis in our country. In 2005, over 5,700 veterans died by suicide, a number that rose to over 6,100 in 2017.

In Damon's memory, I promise to do everything in my power to get our veterans the healthcare and help that they deserve.

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