HARRISBURG – Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) today held a press conference with Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37); Chris Dush (R-25) and Gene Yaw (R-23) to highlight Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
“As a 26-year U.S. Army combat veteran, I’ve seen the struggles our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines face from the effects of military service,” said Pennycuick. “While suicide is a public health issue throughout the United States, sadly, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those who never served in the military, and the risk factor for female veterans is even higher at 2.2 times. In Pennsylvania alone, we lose about 250 veterans per year by suicide. These men and women have selflessly served our country but have succumbed to the insurmountable grief often associated with high exposure to trauma, stress, burnout, addiction, isolation, unemployment, homelessness, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. Our service members, veterans and their families are valued and cared about, and they’re not alone. That’s why I introduced Senate Resolution 359 to promote Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.”
The Senators were joined by:
- Brigadier General John Wenzel, Director of the Joint Staff, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs;
- Jay Ostrich, Director, Berks County Veterans Affairs;
- Matt Cahill, Founder and Executive Chair of the Green Star Families of America. The Green Star Service Banner is a symbol recognizing families of veterans and service members lost to suicide; and
- Carolyn Dymond, Blue Star Mothers, PA Chapter 10. Blue Star Mothers represent mothers of active-duty military service members, symbolizing their support and pride for their children serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“As a former Marine, I’m proud to stand beside my colleagues and fellow veterans today to recognize September as Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month,” said Robinson. “Too many of our nation’s heroes face silent struggles – trauma, stress, depression, addiction, and loneliness – that no one should have to handle alone. Assuring our veterans that they are not alone and that help is available is exactly what this resolution is all about.”
If you are a veteran in crisis, or are concerned about one, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.
CONTACT: Morgan Barto(Sen. Pennycuick)
CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate (Sen. Robinson)