Memorial Day + Mental Health:

Today, we thank all military members and their families for their service and sacrifice. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Happy Memorial Day, {NAME}. Today, we honor and remember the brave Americans who have laid down their lives to defend our country’s most sacred principles: Freedom, unity, democracy, and liberty and justice for all. But here’s the truth: Remembering those who’ve served and sacrificed for our country isn’t enough. Right now, veterans are returning home from service carrying scars – both visible and invisible. The difficulty of transitioning back into civilian life means that a high number of our service members grapple with mental health issues, substance use disorders, homelessness, and high rates of suicide – often without the support they need to navigate these challenges. As Memorial Day coincides with the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, I want you to know that I’m not just committed to remembering those who’ve served: I’m committed to passing bills that find innovative solutions to the ongoing mental health crisis, to investing more resources into mental health care, helping veterans re-enter the workforce, investing in the VA, and fighting the stigma of homelessness and substance use disorders that harms veterans in their re-entry to civilian life. They deserve nothing less than all of this – and then some. On all days, but especially today, we thank all military members and their families for their service and sacrifice. And if you or someone you know is struggling or could use support, I urge you to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255. Thank you, Becca Balint --------------------------------------------------------------- [Facebook Link]( [Twitter Link]( [Instagram Link]( [DONATE]( If you'd like to receive fewer emails and only see our most important updates, [click here.]( If you'd rather not stay up to date with Becca's work, you can [unsubscribe](. If you prefer to contribute by check, you are welcome to send a contribution to the campaign at the address below. To comply with Federal law, we must use our best efforts to obtain, maintain and submit the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per election cycle. Thank you in advance for including that information along with your check. Paid for by Becca Balint for Vermont Becca for Vermont P.O. Box 291 Burlington, VT 05302 United States