Congresswoman Fudge salutes our troops, calls for more support of veterans’ mental health services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This Memorial Day, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) remembers service men and women from Ohio and across the nation. From the First and Second World Wars to recent battles in Iraq and Afghanistan, because of their sacrifice we now have our freedom.

Ohio is home to many of our nation’s veterans and active military personnel. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management:

• 866,481 veterans lived in Ohio in late September 2014;
• 38,582 veterans lived in the Eleventh District in 2013; and
• 7,218 active duty military personnel from Ohio were serving our country in 2013.

Some of the nation’s recent fallen soldiers also called Ohio home. In honor of those who have returned, are still fighting or have fallen, Congresswoman Fudge releases the following statement:

“This Memorial Day, I salute the men and women who risk their lives for this country each and every day. As a nation, we are indebted to them and thank them for their relentless efforts to protect our republic and our freedom. To the families of those who have fallen, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude for your sacrifices.

“I also take special notice of our veterans who often face great adversity at home. Every day, an estimated 22 veterans commit suicide, and on any given night 50,000 are homeless. At least 600,000 veterans suffer from mental illness and struggle to seek care. Now we must fight for them.

“I co-sponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act of 2015 to help struggling veterans nationwide. The bill works to ensure better quality care in VA healthcare and suicide prevention programs, makes it easier for veterans to find treatment and makes these services more affordable. With this legislation, America can continue to fulfill its moral and civic promise to care for our soldiers at home and abroad.”

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