Blake Farenthold: “Thank you very much. It's my pleasure to be up here even though it is a very solemn occasion. I didn't have the honor or…”

“Thank you very much. It's my pleasure to be up here even though it is a very solemn occasion. I didn't have the honor or privilege of knowing Chief Chris Kyle, but as I've heard my fellow Texans speak of him and as many Americans have gotten to know him through his book, it's just a true testament to the American soldier and to the traditions of our military that Chris, after heroic and valiant service to our country, came back, and instead of just fading, he continued to help his fellow servicemen. The tragedy associated with his death, one of helping another, is heart-wrenching, but it does call to mind that the greatest traditions and values of America are manifested through our service. He was doing just that when he was killed by a fellow veteran he was trying to help. We in this country and in Congress have worked hard to provide health care, including mental health care, for our veterans. We are growing and expanding that service through the VA now. Just last week, I toured a new VA facility in my hometown of Corpus Christi. It has a large area devoted just to treating some of the psychological problems that many of our veterans come home with after experiencing the horrors of war. It's something that we need to continue to do as a country, and it's something that we need to continue to do as Americans.…”