Tom Udall: “This bill honors those who have died after their service in the Vietnam War but as a direct result of that service. I…”

“This bill honors those who have died after their service in the Vietnam War but as a direct result of that service. I would like to share one example of a Vietnam war veteran who many of my colleagues may have heard of and who exemplifies why we are acting today. His name is Lewis B. Puller, Jr. who took his own life as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder. Lew, as he was called, was a seriously wounded Vietnam War Veteran, Pulitzer Prize winning author of "Fortunate Son", and son of the most decorated U.S. Marine in history, "Chesty" Puller. Although Lew's book was an inspiration to many, he ultimately took his own life because of his inability to deal with his wounds, his dependence on drugs and alcohol, and because of posttraumatic stress disorder. While Lew Puller's case has been a higher profile than others have, there have been thousands of Vietnam War veterans who have suffered the same casualty. This bill sends a clear message that our Nation has not, nor will it ever, forget the Vietnam veterans who have fallen as a result of these unfortunate and often invisible traumas. I urge my colleagues to support this very worthy bill.”