Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Derek Kilmer have introduced a bipartisan bill designating the Sunday following Veterans Day as National Warrior Call Day. This initiative encourages Americans to connect with current and former service members, fostering meaningful conversations and offering support to combat the rising rates of veteran suicide.

Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, shared his personal experience with the devastating impact of suicide, having lost numerous friends to both combat and suicide. This deeply personal connection fuels his commitment to addressing this critical issue.

The bill highlights the concerning upward trend in veteran suicides since 2006, a trend further substantiated by a recent study revealing the actual suicide rate to be significantly higher than previously reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The aim of National Warrior Call Day is to break the isolation often experienced by those struggling with suicidal thoughts, providing a crucial lifeline through connection and support.

Kilmer emphasized the broad bipartisan support for the bill, highlighting endorsements from former VA secretaries, veterans service organizations, and Medal of Honor recipients. He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, not as a partisan matter, but as a national imperative to support those who have served the country. Kilmer shared a poignant anecdote about a military leader who identified mental health as his primary concern, having lost more soldiers to suicide than to enemy combatants. This underscores the profound impact of insufficient mental health support on the military community.

Both Van Orden and Kilmer expressed optimism about the bill's swift passage through Congress, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan collaboration in addressing this critical issue. They urged their colleagues to set aside political differences and prioritize the well-being of veterans.