[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING KATHY DAILY'S DEDICATED SERVICE TO HOOSIER VETERANS

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                          HON. RUDY YAKYM, III

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2024

  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kathy Daily for the 
incredible work she does day in and day out caring for those who have 
worn the uniform of the United States Military.
  As a registered nurse for mental health at the Jackie Walorski VA 
Clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana, Kathy serves on the frontlines in the 
ongoing battle to make sure Hoosier veterans are well-cared for and 
receive the quality mental health treatment they need and deserve. When 
our veteran heroes return home from battle, they often struggle with 
invisible scars and wounds that are not physically noticeable. Kathy 
works tirelessly to bind up and heal those wounds and support veterans 
in crisis situations.
  Kathy's extensive background in the military and with veterans' 
groups is part of what makes her such an effective advocate for them. 
From serving in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm to now 
serving as Vice Commander of the Edwardsburg VFW Post in Cass County, 
Michigan, along with various veteran suicide prevention groups, there 
are few people who better understand the veteran community and their 
challenges and needs better than Kathy does.
  One of the veterans who Kathy went above and beyond for in a time of 
crisis is someone I have also had the privilege of getting to know 
well: retired Sergeant Ted Grubbs. An Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, 
Ted was diagnosed with service-connected complex post-traumatic stress 
disorder and complex traumatic brain injury after returning home from 
duty. In April 2023, Ted experienced a severe mental health crisis and 
put a pistol in his mouth before, fortunately, putting the pistol down.
  In the immediate aftermath of that incident, Kathy was there and 
available for Ted 24/7, and she made sure he was supported and received 
the treatment he needed. It is not hyperbole to say that Kathy saved 
Ted's life, and there are other veterans who woke up this morning and 
can say the same because they had Kathy in their corner. As we reflect 
on all the tremendous sacrifices our veterans have made across the 
generations defending liberty and preserving this great American 
experiment, it is equally important to express our gratitude to those 
individuals who care for them when they return home.
  I, and many others, are extremely grateful to Kathy Daily for being a 
voice for veterans when no one else will speak up for them, and to make 
sure crisis situations don't turn into tragedies. I thank Kathy and all 
those doing diligent, dedicated work supporting and caring for 
America's veterans.

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