Representative Ed Case organized a “Talk Story” event on a Saturday morning at Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial, with a specific focus on addressing the mental health concerns of veterans.
Rep. Case is a member of the Appropriations Committee responsible for funding veteran programs and services. He is also an advocate for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander veterans.
Veteran David Kahaaina Sr. emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We suffered PTSD; we’ve seen a lot in combat, we’ve seen a lot of our guys that got wounded or lost an arm or lost a leg.”
Rep. Case’s primary objective is to secure funding for programs dedicated to veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention. He recognizes the enduring challenges that veterans face when they return from combat, including the loss of memories of fallen comrades, which can be emotionally devastating.
Rep. Case and his team are committed to ensuring that veterans receive the necessary treatment and support to cope with these challenges effectively, aiming to alleviate their suffering. The next “Talk Story” session is scheduled for the first week of January, providing an ongoing platform for discussions on this critical issue.