Sean Duffy: “Today, I rise to remember Major Justin Fitch. A son of Hayward, Wisconsin, and a decorated Army officer, colon cancer…”

“Today, I rise to remember Major Justin Fitch. A son of Hayward, Wisconsin, and a decorated Army officer, colon cancer took Justin's life far too soon, but not before he made an incredible mark on his community and his fellow veterans. While serving in Iraq in 2007, Justin suffered thoughts of suicide. He actually went so far as to put an M-4 rifle in his mouth. But, thank God, he never pulled the trigger. When he returned home, he claimed victory over his suicidal thoughts, but another battle was just beginning for Justin. He was diagnosed with colon cancer. He waged a 3-year battle fighting that disease. Despite a grim prognosis, he used his attention to shed light on a mounting issue that he knew all too well. At the time, on average, 22 veterans were committing suicide a day. That is about 8,000 a year. Justin knew that something had to be done. And so in between his chemotherapy treatments and surgeries, he took part in long ruck marches. He teamed up with veteran prevention organizations and freely gave out his number to any soldier who approached him who also had thoughts of suicide. Major Fitch, fighting the battle of his life with cancer, was also giving his time to help save other veterans who were suffering with suicidal thoughts. Major Fitch passed away in his hometown of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, on October 3. He was 33 years old. His personal battle may be over, but his fight marches on. As Justin would say: ``It's okay to seek help.…”