Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I need to tell a story about another young man in my district, Carl McLaughlin, a 38-year-old Army veteran who died from suicide on December 19, 2013. Carl had been stationed in Bosnia, and he was released from the Army on a medical discharge in 2004. Starting in 2006, Carl went to the Phoenix VA for treatment. But as time went on, it became increasingly difficult for Carl to see his doctor. And according to his mom, Terry, at the time of his death, Carl was waiting to hear back from the Phoenix VA to have his medications adjusted and to see his doctor. He suffered from recurring pain caused by a shoulder injury, severe hearing loss, depression, and PTSD; and his depression worsened over time. Terry, Carl's mom, told us, and I quote: The last time I saw Carl was a few days before his death. He looked really depressed, and I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment scheduled because I knew he had been waiting over 4 weeks for a call back from the doctor's office. He said, No, he was still waiting. He called them the next day six times and left three messages and was put on hold, and then hung up on three times. This problem had been going on for at least 1 to 2 years, that I was aware of. Mr. Speaker, no veteran should be turned away when he or she reaches out for help. Terry asked us to share her son's story in the hope that this tragedy doesn't happen to another family.…”