[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1224-E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMENDING LAKE COUNTY VETERANS AND FAMILY SERVICES FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2017

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to commend the 
Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation (LCVFSF) and the 
important work they do throughout the Tenth District to support 
veterans and their families.

[[Page E1225]]

   LCVFSF plays a critical role in our community by connecting veterans 
with each other and the resources they need, as well as educating and 
counseling families to support veterans and service members. LCVFSF 
offers peer support and nurturing connections for veterans through 
programs such as the Cup-A-Joe coffee meetup, as well as close 
collaboration with the Dryhootch Drop-in Center and Catholic Charities 
to help find jobs for veterans.
   This year, LCVFSF and its innovative approach to wellness were 
recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration (SAMHSA) for their work, Fostering Healing and Recovery 
through Connection.
   During this National Suicide Prevention Week, LCFSF deserves 
particular acknowledgement. Every day in the United States, an average 
of 20 veterans die by suicide. Each of their deaths is a tragedy. We 
owe it to the fine men and women who served us, and who may still bear 
the physical and often invisible mental scars of that service, to 
support them after they retire the uniform.
   Later this month, LCVFSF is partnering with the Student Veterans 
Club of College of Lake County to lead a Ruck March to raise awareness 
of the epidemic of veteran suicide. Participants will march more than 
20 kilometers from North Chicago to Grayslake in memory of the veterans 
lost every day to suicide. Many will walk with ruck sacks representing 
the symbolic weight carried by those who have fallen due to suicide and 
those who suffer from their loss.
   For all their efforts to improve the lives of our veteran community 
and address the tragedy of veteran suicide, I thank the staff, 
volunteers, and supporters of the Lake County Veterans and Family 
Services. I wish them much success on the upcoming Ruck March and look 
forward to continuing to work with the Foundation in the days ahead.

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