Colorado legislature takes on veteran suicide

State legislature endorses Valley veteran’s call to action
Aspen Daily
by Andrew Travers
Aspen Daily News Staff Writer
Saturday, February 22, 2014

The Colorado state legislature unanimously approved a resolution calling on President Obama and the federal government to improve homecoming preparedness for military veterans last week, endorsing measures recommended by the Carbondale-based Purple Star Veterans and Families.

The local organization is fighting for national policy changes to address a suicide epidemic among military vets and their widespread struggles with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s led by Carbondale resident Adam McCabe, a Marine and Purple Heart recipient who served two tours in Iraq. The group has been circulating a petition to the president since 2012, calling for new federal programs to help returning veterans adjust to domestic life after combat.

McCabe last week received a standing ovation from the state senate when he was introduced to the chamber as legislators considered the resolution.

“We’ve really reached a milestone,” McCabe said in an interview afterward. “They stood up and really conveyed the need for this.”

Adopted by the senate and house last Thursday, the resolution calls on the U.S. Department of Defense “to develop an implement a program of homecoming preparedness training for all military personnel prior to and immediately following separation from military service, particularly for service members with combat and combat-related job specialties.” It also includes a commendation for Purple Star.
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