Date: 2010-12-08
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1746. "Recognizing and supporting the efforts of Welcome Back Veterans to augment the services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs in providing timely and worldclass care for veterans and members of the Armed Forces suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related psychiatric disorders." I would like to begin by thanking my colleague. Representative ISRAEL. for introducing this resolution to the House. which encourages the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish innovative publicprivate partnerships for the treatment and research of PTSD in teaching hospitals across the country. I urge my colleagues to also support this resolution. as it honors the fact that those who have fought for our Nation should remain a priority. It is important that we. as a Nation. continue to recognize that our great country stands strongly today because of the dedication and sacrifice of American veterans. The United States is surely indebted to the veterans of every conflict. who have made great sacrifices for themselves and their families in defense of our national security. Our freedom is intertwined with the sacrifices of our veterans. whose devotion to our way of life is unparalleled. I am privileged to stand before you today and officially honor their sacrifices and the role they play in our Nation. Every Veterans Day. Americans come together to remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. Their sacrifices and those of their families are freedoms foundation. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers. sailors. airmen. marines. and Coast Guardsmen and their families. our country would not live so freely. Deployed soldiers frequently and continually engage in highintensity combat operations. exposing them to potential triggers for PTSD or other psychiatric conditions. A 2008 report published by the RAND Corporation estimated that one in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are affected by PTSD. Those with PTSD are at high risk for developing other psychological disorders. such as depression. Furthermore. those suffering with PTSD are more likely to engage in selfdestructive behaviors. such as alcohol and substance abuse. and are six times more likely than persons without PTSD to commit suicide. PTSD has been associated with unemployment and a work productivity loss. and when left untreated. exacts an enormous toll on individuals. families. and society as a whole. This resolution not only solidifies the importance of Veterans Day. but also extends the importance of support for veterans and their health and safety throughout the year. In observing Veterans Day. the people of the United States must also encourage the education of our youth on how those dedicated individuals have contributed to the United States history and todays society. We must continue the tradition of honoring those who have served for the greatest causes. freedom. democracy. and justice. their commitment to the United States at home and abroad should never be forgotten. I am truly proud to rise in support of the recognition of Welcome Back Veterans for their commitment to taking care of our soldiers. We recognize and honor the veterans of the Armed Forces not only of today. but also of years past. who have sacrificed their lives for our great Nation. This resolution reaffirms our countrys utmost respect and pride for our service people who have contributed to the shaping of the United States history and our current place in the world today. It shows the true patriotic spirit that many Americans possess. and their willingness to give back to those who have given so much to maintain our freedom. Currently. our Nation has 3 million troops and reservists. and 23 million veterans. who deserve the greatest respect from their fellow citizens. Our Nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment maintaining the wellbeing of the men and women who have uniforms in defense of this country. and we must ensure that this legacy continues in the future.