Blumenthal Praises Change in Obama Policy to Honor Sacrifice of Service Members who Commit Suicide

(Washington, DC) – Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today praised a decision by the White House to change the policy that withheld condolence letters to families of military men and women who committed suicide.  

Blumenthal and 10 of his Senate colleagues wrote to the Administration in May to press for a shift in policy in order to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all military personnel.

“All military families deserve to have the loved ones they’ve lost acknowledged and honored for their service. This change in policy – which I urged – is long overdue and I applaud the President’s decision to give all service men and women who have bravely fought for our freedoms the recognition they have earned. I hope that this change in policy not only comforts military families in Connecticut and across the country, but also acts as a step toward combatting the serious stigma attached to mental health issues that must be addressed more thoroughly and comprehensively.”

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