June 4, 2022
Dear Friends,
Many of us spent the long weekend enjoying precious time with neighbors and loved ones. But amidst the parades and ceremonies, we recognize what Memorial Day is truly about—honoring all those who have given their lives in service to our country and its people.
During this time, I find myself reflecting on the lives and stories of our nation’s servicemembers—known and unknown—who made the ultimate sacrifice for us in the name of freedom and democracy for all. In these last weeks and months fraught with tragedy, Memorial Day calls to us to pause and reflect on the service of others, and to draw strength and wisdom from the unmatched devotion of those who have put duty and love of country above all else.
I believe that honoring our fallen heroes must also mean looking out for all who have served and sacrificed in our Armed Forces.
Over the course of my work in Congress, I have encountered countless veterans who have shared their stories of exposures to toxic substances while in the military, whether from Agent Orange in Southeast Asia, burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan or from chemical exposures closer to home, as was the case with those who served at Fort McClellan in Alabama. In many cases, these veterans have struggled to get care at the VA for these toxic wounds, based on paperwork and evidentiary standards that were often impossible to meet for those with toxic exposures.
It is because of these brave veterans that I am a strong supporter of the bipartisan Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which passed the House in May. This broad package makes good on Congress’ solemn promise to care for toxic-exposed veterans and taking us one step closer towards finally recognizing toxic exposure as a cost of war. I’m especially proud that, after years of hard work and advocacy, this legislation also included a provision I authored to help veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
It is our responsibility to do right by those who have sacrificed their health, their wellness, and their lives for us. That also crucially includes addressing the ‘unseen injuries’ of our servicemembers. Providing mental health services is more urgent that ever, as these past two years have been difficult for many veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors as they grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and ongoing events in Ukraine.
Help is always available for those who need it. You can find mental health resources and services for veterans HERE. The Veterans Crisis Line is also available 24/7 to help any veteran experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling:
- Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Visit http://VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
- Text 838255
Let us pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives for our nation, not just on Memorial Day, but every day. Let’s make sure these heroes know that they—and their brothers and sisters in arms—will never be forgotten. And as we mourn their absence, through that we may find humility, courage and resilience in their example.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- With summer travel season upon us, it’s crucial that we continue to take measures to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities—that means taking COVID-19 tests.
- As of May 16th, families are eligible for a third round of FREE at-home COVID tests to be delivered through the U.S. Postal Service.
- Unlike previous rounds in January and March that included four tests, each order will now include eight rapid antigen COVID tests, coming in two separate packages of four each.
- Available tests are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR tests. All of the tests are FDA-authorized.
- To order your tests, go to COVIDtests.gov. Then select “Order Free At-Home Tests.” and fill out the brief form including your name and home address.