It passed the House unanimously, and overwhelming approval is expected in the Senate.
The Senate is expected to take up a bill on Monday named for Clay Hunt, a 26-year-old veteran who killed himself in 2011. The bill is in response to suicides that on average claim the lives of 22 military veterans every day.
With the Capitol in the background, flags representing veterans and service members who died by suicide in 2014 are placed on the National Mall in Washington. 2014 Associated Press File Photo
The measure, which passed the House last month, would require the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs Department to submit to independent reviews of their suicide prevention programs and make information on suicide prevention more easily available to veterans. It also would offer financial incentives to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals who agree to work for the VA and help military members as they transition from active duty to veteran status.
Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he expects overwhelming approval of the bill, which passed the House unanimously and has the support of major veterans groups.
“When you have 8,000 veterans a year committing suicide, then you have a serious problem,” Isakson said, noting that more veterans have died by suicide in recent years than have died in battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.
Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit association with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.
In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.
You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web site and blog: www.yourValleyProperty.com
