Advocating for Veterans' Brain Health on Capitol Hill
Pictured: Ohio Congressman Max Miller with our Capitol Visitors Center event panelists.
Resurrecting Lives Foundation took our advocacy for veterans’ brain health issues and suicide prevention to Capitol Hill in September for Suicide Prevention Month. We directly messaged over 200 members of Congress and met with 14 congressional offices, including Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance. We also made sure that Representatives and Senators from states with our largest veterans populations and needs such as Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Ohio and Texas received in-person visits.
Members of Congress were asked for their continued attention to and support for policies that help our veterans struggling with undiagnosed and untreated cases of TBI and PTSD. We also stressed that addressing brain health issues is a critical component to preventing veteran suicides, which are increasing at an alarming rate.
RLF also hosted a special event co-sponsored by Ohio Congressmen Brad Wenstrup and Max Miller at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. The event focused on how Congress can support Global War on Terrorism veterans as they continue to transition back into civilian life. It featured inspiring comments from Rep. Miller, a former Marine who proudly represents Ohio's Seventh District. We also held a viewing of Brainstorms, and conducted a panel discussion with veterans, business leaders, advocates and healthcare professionals. Panelists discussed the importance of veterans education, job training and brain health recovery initiatives.
Pictured: Dr. Chrisanne Gordon and Congressman Max Miller discuss veterans brain health recovery initiatives.
Our panel of experts included Daniels Automotive President and Impact 60 Founder & Board President Bruce Daniels, U.S. Army veteran and RLF Ambassador Curtis Armstrong, Rutgers School of Public Health TBI researcher and Recognize the Sacrifice Executive Director Dr. Jayna Moceri-Brooks, MAPGA Reach Foundation President and PGA HOPE National Trainer J.P. Lunn, American Legion Health Policy Coordinator Kenneth Harman, Impact 60 Executive Director Lavona See and Performance Columbus Family of Dealerships Government Relations and Workforce Development Director Jeff Anthony.
Each panelist brought a unique perspective to the discussion, influenced by their experiences, research and work supporting veterans. In fact, Dr. Moceri-Brooks recently published a ground-breaking study that found active service members and veterans with a combat-related TBI are four times more likely to attempt suicide than those without a TBI.
Veterans Standing Together Across America Project
Pictured: A World War II veteran signs the first Stand Together Flag.
Resurrecting Lives Foundation will launch the Veterans Standing Together Across America (VSTAA) project at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Nov. 1, 2023, and re-dedicate the project in San Diego Nov. 11, 2023 at Liberty Station.
The Stand Together Flag Project will raise awareness of brain health issues that contribute to the dramatic increase in veteran suicides. It directly addresses this important issue, and lets veterans know they are not alone. The project promotes family and community support and gratitude for service. It is needed now more than ever because the statistics are staggering. More than 750,000 Global War on Terrorism veterans struggle with TBI or PTSD issues.
The Stand Together Flag is the first 3-D art creation of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Joe Pisano, a renowned San Diego artist. The piece consists of a waving American flag bordered by a frame panel featuring signatures of veterans and their family members. The flag is comprised of more than 4,300 drywall screws, and currently has more than 500 signatures representing veterans from World War I to the Global War on Terrorism. This interactive piece thanks veterans, and gives family members an opportunity to remember and honor the military service of their loved ones.
Pictured: Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology Hall of Fall Inductee Corey O'Brien.
Congratulations to Resurrecting Lives Ambassador and Transcendental Meditation Initiative Director Corey O’Brien for his recent induction into The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology Hall of Fame for his Meritorious Service.
The award is the highest honor bestowed by the college and alumni society. Inductees are chosen because of they have made significant contributions to education and human ecology and serve as a role model for all others in their fields.
Corey was an important consultant for our award-winning short film Brainstorms. Those who joined us for the film’s screening at the Cinema Columbus Film Festival will remember his powerful testimony during the panel discussion. Corey told the OSU Hall of Fame committee that, “the foundation provides a platform for him to demonstrate, from his personal experiences, the challenges and needs military-connected families face, and to describe opportunities and resources necessary for healing, recovery, and support.”
Corey teaches science at Hamilton Township High School, where he serves a prominent role in the school’s Purple Star Schools program. Hamilton Township High School was the first school in the nation to receive the Purple Star School designation. Corey served in the Ohio Army National Guard for nine years, including two deployments to the Middle East — Kuwait in 2003, and he volunteered for Iraq in 2004-2005. Corey was awarded a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a Combat Action Badge.
We are very proud of Corey and grateful for his incredible work supporting our veterans and their families. Read more about Corey’s Hall of Fame induction here.
You Can Make A Difference
Resurrecting Lives Foundation is planning events in Columbus, OH, San Diego, CA and Washington, DC to raise awareness of brain health issues that contribute to veteran suicides, such Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The foundation enjoys a Gold Rating by the GuideStar Foundation, with 90 cents of every dollar being spent directly on veterans. Support our advocacy with a tax-deductible gift today.