We’re losing America’s heroes to a silent epidemic. In 2022, the United States lost 22 veterans to suicide every single day. That’s unacceptable.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We need to start having conversations – no matter how uncomfortable – about what else we can do to support our brothers and sisters who carry a heavy burden.
Adam Lambert was one of those brothers who we lost too soon when he died by suicide. Adam put others before himself – family, friends, and country. Raised in Adel, Adam bravely served our Country in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying to Okinawa and Afghanistan.
During boot camp, Adam met a fellow Marine named Daniel Harvey from Rhode Island. They became friends and stayed connected throughout deployments and their return home. At 22 years old, Daniel committed suicide just a year after he left the Marines. Adam followed him less than a month later.
Their story is too common. In their honor, I introduced the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act. This bipartisan bill will ensure veterans are aware of mental health support available to them after they leave the Armed Forces. I’m proud to report it passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.
This is just one step in the journey to save more lives. As a veteran myself, I will keep fighting to support every veteran.