[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ASHLIE COMBS

  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, veterans' mental health is one 
of the most unspoken struggles our brave men and women in uniform 
endure after serving our country. Many struggle silently and alone, 
which is why suicide has become a leading cause of death among our 
veterans. Combating the mental health crisis for Alabama veterans has 
become the No. 1 mission of U.S. Army SPC Ashlie Combs of Rainbow City.
  Ashlie enlisted in the Army in 2003 after graduating from Bay Minette 
High School. She grew up in a military family, so she knew the 
hardships of military life. But the September 11 attacks made Ashlie 
want to do her part to protect our great country. She deployed to Iraq 
in 2007, where her team carried out multiple search and rescue missions 
in order to make sure no soldier was left behind as the war was winding 
down.
  Ashlie and her husband eventually relocated back to Alabama, where 
she realized there was a lot to be done in making sure veterans aren't 
left behind when it comes to their mental health. She got involved in 
various veterans' organizations from the American Legion to her local 
VFW post, where she connected with vets from all different walks of 
life. Along the way, she got involved in the local veterans treatment 
court, where she has spent countless hours helping set vets up for 
success. Ashlie goes to great lengths to see veterans through their 
treatment from start to finish.
  She recently received her graduate degree in counseling from Auburn 
University so that she can do this kind of work full-time. Her goal is 
to bridge the gap between mental health care and affordability to 
receive care for those who truly need it. September is Suicide 
Prevention Month, and we are fortunate to have veterans like Ashlie who 
use their experience to help veterans struggling with their mental 
health. It is my honor to recognize Ashlie Combs as the September 
Veteran of the Month.

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