Expressing support for naming surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as "Gold Arrow Families".

IV 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 299 Expressing support for naming surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as ‘‘Gold Arrow Families’’. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 8, 2021 Mr. STEUBE (for himself, Mr. POSEY, Mrs. AXNE, Mr. TIFFANY, Mr. TIMMONS, Mrs. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. WALTZ, Mr. O’HALLERAN, and Mr. YOUNG) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing support for naming surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as ‘‘Gold Arrow Families’’. Whereas a veteran’s past exposure to combat and high-stress environments can be associated with higher rates of men- tal health diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety dis- orders, and post-traumatic stress disorder; Whereas rates of these conditions and disorders among vet- erans have risen steadily; Whereas when a veteran commits suicide, close family mem- bers of the veteran often experience shock, anger, guilt, and sorrow; Whereas it is important to remember stories like that of Army Specialist Ashley M. Taylor and her husband Army VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:29 Apr 08, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR299.IH HR299 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 299 IH Private Bailey C. Taylor, who both died by suicide leav- ing behind their son shortly after his second birthday; Whereas increased recognition of veterans and their family members within the community and increased screening for suicide risk should be required among Federal agen- cies, State and local governments, other organizations, communities, and individuals; Whereas the response of the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans’ suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths should involve coordinated efforts among family mem- bers, medical professionals, counselors, and others across the veteran community; Whereas Congress has attempted to address the problem of suicide among veterans through legislation and oversight hearings, both on prevention of veteran suicide and vet- eran mental health, and increased annual funding for Veterans Health Administration mental health care and behavior health services; and Whereas while some legislation has sought to improve out- reach and awareness, particularly among certain veteran communities deemed to be at high risk for suicide, cer- tain challenges remain, and more can be done for the grieving families that are commonly forgotten about: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) supports the naming of surviving family 2 members of veterans who die by suicide as ‘‘Gold 3 Arrow Families’’; 4 VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:29 Apr 08, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR299.IH HR299 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 299 IH (2) promotes awareness for the needs of the 1 grieving family members of veterans who die by sui- 2 cide; and 3 (3) determines that suicides by veterans can be 4 reduced through the adoption of programs and legis- 5 lation that provide Gold Arrow Families with re- 6 sources to help them cope with their loss. 7 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:29 Apr 08, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR299.IH HR299 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS