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

Bill: 117-hres-299
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
Introduced: 2021-04-08
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Family relationships

Health promotion and preventive care

Mental health

Military personnel and dependents

Veterans' organizations and recognition
Latest action: action_date: 2021-04-27
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-04-08
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution supports the naming of surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as <i>Gold Arrow Families</i>. 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.</p>

tv_txt: IV 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 299 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

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.