Title: Expressing support for naming surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as "Gold Arrow Families".
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
This resolution supports the naming of surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as Gold Arrow Families. The resolution also promotes awareness for the needs of such family members and determines that suicide by veterans can be reduced through the adoption of programs and legislation that provide Gold Arrow Families with resources.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 299 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






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 mental health diagnoses, such as 
        depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder;
Whereas rates of these conditions and disorders among veterans have risen 
        steadily;
Whereas when a veteran commits suicide, close family members 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 Private Bailey C. Taylor, who both died 
        by suicide leaving 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 agencies, 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 members, 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 veteran 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 outreach and awareness, 
        particularly among certain veteran communities deemed to be at high risk 
        for suicide, certain 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) supports the naming of surviving family members of 
        veterans who die by suicide as ``Gold Arrow Families'';
            (2) promotes awareness for the needs of the grieving family 
        members of veterans who die by suicide; and
            (3) determines that suicides by veterans can be reduced 
        through the adoption of programs and legislation that provide 
        Gold Arrow Families with resources to help them cope with their 
        loss.
                                 <all>