[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 24, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SPECIALIST DERRICK AMELI

  (Ms. CRAIG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of 
Specialist Derrick Ameli, a member of the Minnesota National Guard from 
Savage, Minnesota.
  Derrick was a husband, a brother, a friend and Guardsman whose 
service honored our community. Tragically, Derrick died by suicide last 
month, falling victim to the sometimes fatal disease of depression.
  Like any ailment, no one is immune. Depression can and does take the 
very best of us. Addressing this epidemic is one of the Nation's most 
urgent challenges. But in order to combat this disease, we must first 
destigmatize mental health treatment.
  In order to give our neighbors and our families the help they 
deserve, they need to feel safe and supported asking for treatment. We 
must begin treating mental health as the chronic illnesses they can be, 
for Derrick and for so many others who we have lost.

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