[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 101 (Friday, July 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING MILITARY SUICIDES: CONDOLENCE LETTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2011

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to express my gratitude 
to President Obama for altering U.S. government policy to end the 
practice of denying condolence letters to the families of soldiers who 
commit suicide while serving abroad. I strongly support that change, 
and I applaud President Obama for taking this important step.
  The men and women who commit suicide while serving our country on 
active duty overseas are casualties of war, and I strongly believe that 
they should be remembered as such. Those soldiers suffer the unseen 
wounds of war, which, though often ignored, can be devastating. Their 
sacrifice for our Nation should be honored and celebrated, and their 
surviving families and friends should know that we appreciate their 
loved ones' service.
  In his statement announcing the policy change, the President 
emphasized that these men and women suffered the consequences of war, 
and they did not receive the services and treatment that they needed. 
As the President emphasized, that needs to change. We need to do far 
more to help those who bear the burden of our wars, by ensuring that 
they have the physical and emotional support they need, access to 
quality mental health services, and assistance to help them and their 
families cope with the immense stress of war.
  By changing this policy, the President has taken an important step 
towards reducing the stigma surrounding the invisible injuries of war. 
We need to continue to work to ensure that soldiers know what services 
are available to them and feel comfortable seeking out the help that 
they need.
  The act of sending a condolence letter recognizes the tragic loss and 
enormous sacrifice of our military families. The mothers and fathers, 
sisters and brothers, sons and daughters who lose a loved one to either 
a visible or unseen wound of war should know that we, as a country, 
mourn their losses. We should honor the sacrifice of all who give their 
lives in the service of our country.

                          ____________________