The month of May is upon us, which means the sound of engines revving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a series of events throughout the month where Hoosiers and visitors can experience the beauty of our city and the spirit of auto racing.
The timing of the race each year on Memorial Day weekend is also very special.
It gives us an opportunity to reflect on those who have given their lives to protect our great nation.
We will honor them in our churches, our homes, our cemeteries and among our loved ones.
We will remember service members who died more than 200 years ago with stories passed down through the generations just as we will remember those who died more recently with love and family support.
Memorial Day presents yet another opportunity for us to make sure we are doing all that we can for our military personnel currently serving and our veterans who live with the scars of war. We must make sure they never fall between the cracks.
That is why I support legislation that would increase mental health screening and treatment for those in the Armed Forces so that we can help them respond to the pressures and stresses of their duties.
I believe we must do more to prevent military suicides, by strengthening our health care resources and assisting families as they work to create support networks for their loved ones.
Finally, we must tackle an issue that’s been making headlines over the past month: ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs is providing services efficiently, quickly and at a high standard of care.
The news out of the VA is disturbing and, if true, completely unacceptable. I want you to know that I am paying close attention and will monitor the situation carefully as we learn more about what has happened.
Each week, we field inquiries in our office from veterans struggling to receive services from the VA. We pay close attention to each inquiry, and we follow up on each case to make sure we are doing all that we can for that constituent.
If you are a veteran in the Seventh Congressional District who is experiencing an issue with the VA, please contact our office, and we will do everything we can to assist you.
I know that we can work together to improve the current situation, and I firmly believe that as President Clinton once said, “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”
As we spend this time honoring those who have given their lives for our freedom, let us lift up our voices in their memory and pledge to protect all who serve our nation. I wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day.
U.S. Rep. André Carson is from Indianapolis and represents the 7th Congressional District.
