Van Orden’s Warrior Call Resolution Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) applauded the passage of his bipartisan Warrior Call Resolution, which encourages Americans to connect with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to provide support and promote mental health treatment and solutions.
“Our warfighters face incredible challenges during their time of service,” said Rep. Van Orden. “Oftentimes, what they experience in combat follows them back home and takes a troubling toll on their mental health and overall well-being. I am very proud to have this resolution pass the House so our nation’s heroes know that they do not have to fight these battles alone.”
Quote from Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49): “Veterans returning to civilian life face difficult challenges that increasingly make them feel disconnected and isolated from their communities. It is up to all of us, as neighbors and fellow Americans, to extend a helping hand to these heroic warriors and assist them with accessing services they need. I’m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Van Orden’s resolution asking Americans to support servicemembers and veterans and connect them to available resources in their communities. We must all do our part.”
Quote from Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01): “Veterans sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and security around the world. When they return home from answering the call of duty, it’s important they are connected to a support network. This resolution serves as a reminder to take the time to have honest conversations and help those who have served.”
Prior to its passage, Rep. Van Orden spoke on the House Floor in support of the Warrior Call Resolution. Click here to watch his remarks.
Rep. Van Orden’s remarks, as prepared for delivery:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution, H. Res 848, urging all Americans, especially those who've worn the uniform, to reach out and connect with a fellow warrior.
In my 26 years of service, 22 of which I spent as a Navy SEAL, I have forged unbreakable bonds that only those who have served can truly understand. These bonds are not predicated on politics, that based in service over self. I don’t recall ever asking one of my fellow service members what party they were affiliated with, I only asked them if they could perform the duties expected of them.
During my service I bore witness the greatest virtues that can be attributed to the human condition and also the profound sense of sorrow when we lose one of our own.
Among those we've lost is my friend and Teammate, Navy SEAL Ryan Larkin, who tragically took his life on April 23, 2017.
Ryan's story speaks to the silent battles faced by many servicemembers and veterans.
Out of the darkness that is Ryan’s loss, the Warrior Call Resolution was born. It was inspired by Ryan's father, Frank Larkin, a former Navy SEAL and the 40th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. Senate. His sincere wish is that no parent, spouse, friend, or teammate should ever again have to experience the loss of a loved one due to suicide. This resolution reflects the ongoing need to support those who grapple with isolation and mental health challenges.
Every year, our nation sets aside a day for the men and women who gave their lives for freedom, Memorial Day, those that previously defended our freedoms, Veterans Day, and those that are currently defending our freedoms, Armed Forces Day.
This resolution serves a different purpose. It pays tribute to those we lost by trying to prevent those who have come through the crucible of service from taking their own lives.
Every day over 20 veterans commit suicide. We have lost more veterans to suicide in the last 10 years than the cumulative total of combat losses members in the Vietnam War. We are doing something wrong and it is time for a change.
Preventing veteran suicide is my number legislative priority as the Chairman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Veteran Affairs committee, and I am thankful for my fellow members from both sides of the aisle and Ranking Member Levin for showing such commitment to this noble cause.
We know that one of the first outward signs of suicidal ideation is self-isolation. That is why it is so critical our veterans are involved with our Veterans Service Organizations and the VA itself.
But not all Americans have access to VSO or the VA, and this resolution empowers them to help end the scourge that is veteran suicide by simply picking up the phone and checking in with a Warrior they have in their life – whether it’s a brother, friend, or neighbor – and have an honest conversation with them.
Let them know that they are important to you and that you truly do value their sacrifice.
It puts meaning behind, “thank you for your service”.
I acknowledge there is a lot more work to be done at VA, with the Transition Assistance Program, and how medical and mental health services are provided. We are working on those, they just take time.
But this is something we can do now.
If we can put aside our differences and understand that by passing this resolution, we can save even a single veteran’s life, then all of the time we spend here arguing with each other just may be worth it.
I urge all members to support my resolution to recognize the selfless gift these individuals have given us.
With that, I yield back.
Click here to read the full resolution text.