The Sun - Celebrating veterans' sacrifices is only the beginning: Paul Cook

Op-Ed

by Paul Cook

In the midst of your backyard barbecues and family gatherings this Memorial Day weekend, I encourage you take time to reflect on the men and women who laid down their lives for our nation.

From Guadalcanal to Korea, Afghanistan to Vietnam, American service members have paid the ultimate price for the advancement of democracy throughout the globe. For members of the Armed Forces who were lucky enough to return home, myself included, we will always be haunted by the memories of those who perished in foreign lands.

Combat veterans handle their military experiences in different ways. Some take the skills they acquired in the service and apply them to a civilian career. Others use GI Bill benefits to obtain a college degree. Unfortunately, many veterans encounter an unexpected struggle upon returning to civilian life.

It's a disturbing reality that many of us are uncomfortable discussing. We don't want to admit that there is collateral damage in defending the freedoms we enjoy. It's important to celebrate the sacrifices of combat veterans with parades and recognitions, but this does little to reduce the number of veterans who commit suicide every day.

One of my biggest priorities in Congress has been holding the federal Veterans Administration accountable and ensuring that any veteran in need of urgent mental health care is assisted immediately. Last Congress, I was a strong supporter of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act. This important legislation gives veterans the option to access health care outside of the VA when the VA fails to adequately care for veterans. This bill also allowed for partnership with mental health nonprofits, especially in rural areas, so veterans can access these services closer to home.

This year I was proud to support the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, a bill named in honor of a veteran who tragically took his own life after receiving inadequate psychiatric help from the VA. This important legislation strengthens mental health care in the VA by incentivizing the hiring of more mental health professionals, creating peer support and community outreach pilot programs, and creating strong oversight and accountability for mental health care at the VA. After receiving strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate, this bill was signed into law in February.

We've made significant progress in addressing veteran suicide and mental health, but there is still much to be done. As your representative, and as a combat veteran, I'll continue to fight to support our veterans and to ensure that we never lose a veteran to the invisible scars of battle upon returning home.

If you want to do more than just recognize veterans, I encourage you to become involved with local veterans groups, veterans support groups, and organizations assisting military families.

They would appreciate any support and time, and it's a patriotic way to give back to those who gave so much.

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