IV 
118TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 387 
Expressing support for the designation of June 10, 2023, as ‘‘Veterans 
Get Outside Day’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 10, 2023 
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana (for himself and Mr. MOULTON) submitted the fol-
lowing resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and 
Accountability 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for the designation of June 10, 2023, 
as ‘‘Veterans Get Outside Day’’. 
Whereas, between 2000 and 2022, the Department of De-
fense found that more than 460,000 members of the 
Armed Forces were diagnosed with traumatic brain inju-
ries; 
Whereas studies have found that, after decades of combat in 
Afghanistan and Iraq, 20 percent of veterans of the 
Armed Forces are suffering from post-traumatic stress 
and depression; 
Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs found that vet-
erans suffer a disproportionately higher rate of suicide 
compared to nonveterans, and post-traumatic stress, 
traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety are root 
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•HRES 387 IH 
causes of the suicide epidemic in the veteran community, 
with an estimated 16.8 suicides per day in 2020; 
Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs has been suc-
cessful in reducing the number of veterans’ suicides, but 
there are still gaps in mental health care for veterans, 
and the United States needs to use every treatment avail-
able to support the veteran community; 
Whereas studies have shown that exposure to nature and the 
outdoors have a positive therapeutic impact on mental 
health, including by resulting in lower risks of depression 
and improved focus and attention, and even a single day 
outside can improve an individual’s overall mood and 
lessen feelings of isolation; 
Whereas studies have found that individuals with increased 
access to green space have a lower suicide risk; 
Whereas the Forest Service sponsors a National Get Out-
doors Day to promote the health benefits of outdoor rec-
reational activities; 
Whereas the United States has recognized the need to con-
nect veterans with nature by providing free admission to 
national parks and forests; and 
Whereas a targeted outreach effort, such as Veterans Get 
Outside Day, to veterans living with post-traumatic 
stress, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety 
may lead to further participation in outside events and 
improved mental health outcomes: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) expresses support for the designation of 
‘‘Veterans Get Outside Day’’; and 
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•HRES 387 IH 
(2) encourages the Department of Veterans Af-
fairs, the Forest Service, and the Department of the 
Interior to coordinate and cooperate in promoting 
‘‘Veterans Get Outside Day’’ along with National 
Get Outdoors Day. 
Æ 
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