After returning home from protecting our nation and working to keep America safe, secure, and free, far too many veterans struggle with mental health issues. In fact, on average, 17 veterans die by suicide every day. In Pennsylvania, a total of 246 veterans died by suicide in 2021 according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with veterans ages 55-74 making up the largest cohort. Something needs to be done to help prevent these tragic deaths.  

 

Senator Pennycuick and I will be reintroducing legislation that would implement a “Green Alert” system in Pennsylvania which is designed to warn the public if an at-risk veteran is missing. Our bill would be very similar to an Amber Alert for missing children. 
 
The measure was inspired by a Milwaukee Air Force veteran Corey Adams, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Although Corey's family alerted authorities within hours of his disappearance, Adams did not fit the criteria needed for a "critically missing person." Unfortunately, Mr. Adams body was found in a local pond 18 days after he went missing.  

  

Please consider joining us by co-sponsoring this legislation that has the potential to save the lives of at-risk veterans.