[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 193 (Tuesday, December 13, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H9708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BRANDON CASERTA

  (Mrs. LESKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Brandon Caserta from Peoria, Arizona.
  Brandon was born on May 25, 1997, and everyone who knew him spoke of 
his kindness. Brandon grew up in a family dedicated to serving our 
Nation. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Patrick, a retired 
United States Navy Senior Chief, by enlisting in the Navy. Brandon 
dreamed of one day joining our Nation's elite in the United States Navy 
SEALs, and he eventually served as Petty Officer Third Class with the 
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 in Norfolk, Virginia.
  Sadly, on June 25, 2018, Brandon tragically took his own life. In 
memory of their son, Brandon's parents, Teri and Patrick, began 
advocating for change to help prevent suicides among Active-Duty 
military and veterans. Their dedication resulted in the inclusion of 
H.R. 3942, the Brandon Act, named after Brandon, in the fiscal year 
2022 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill allows 
servicemembers to quickly seek lifesaving mental health care.
  I am grateful for Teri and Patrick's dedication and their tireless 
effort to ensure that Brandon's legacy brings about meaningful change 
within our military.

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