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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens
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View as web page:
[link removed]
Photo credit: COURTESY TERI CASERTA
May 25, 2023
Contact: David Cruz - (818) 689-9991 Mobile
[email protected]
LULAC CELEBRATES BRANDON CASERTA FOUNDATION ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE BIRTHDAY OF ITS
NAMESAKE
===============================================================================
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Brandon
Caserta's Passing Has Been Turned Into Triumph
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) joins
Patrick and Teri Caserta in marking what would have been Brandon Caserta's 26th
birthday. The bittersweet observance is significant because 2023 finally saw the
official rollout [ [link removed] ]
of the Brandon Act by the U.S. Department of Defense. Brandon Caserta, Petty
Officer 3rd Class, was assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 in
Norfolk, Virginia, and tragically died by suicide in June 2018 after enduring
chronic bullying, harassment, and assaults ignored by toxic commands.
Domingo Garcia - LULAC National President
"The Brandon Act empowers military personnel in a mental crisis to seek medical
assistance without prior approval from their command. Furthermore, this
legislation ensures that service members will no longer have to fear retaliation
for seeking help, eliminating one of the significant barriers that prevent
individuals from reaching out for necessary support. LULAC remains steadfast in
championing the needs of our active service members and veterans. We will
continue to honor their loyal service in defense of our nation and strive to
provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive beyond their
military service."
Teri Caserta, president of the Brandon Caserta Foundation and Co-Author of the
Brandon Act
"Today, Brandon would be 26 years old; instead, he is forever 21. As I sit here
reflecting on the 21 years, he had blessed our little family, I also reflect on
our accomplishments in his honor since his death. Brandon has been gone for
nearly five years, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about
him. Brandon did not die in vain. Patrick and I made sure of that. His legacy
will live on for decades of saving military lives with The Brandon Act. On May 5,
2023, the Department of Defense finally signed and implemented The Brandon Act.
Brandon was our biggest accomplishment, and The Brandon Act is right behind him.
All Brandon wanted to do was save lives, and he sacrificed himself to do that. We
know he is proud of us for accomplishing his last wishes.
Brandon was a beautiful soul. He was kind, he was patient, and he treated
everyone with respect. Brandon lived by his karate code words: Honor, Respect,
Patience, and Kindness. We all need to do the same. Let's all follow in Brandon's
footsteps. The world would be in a better place. Happy birthday, Brandon! We all
miss you and love you! We are so proud of you; you are a true hero! As Memorial
Day approaches, we will honor you and all of our fallen service members and
veterans. Patrick and I want to thank our entire LULAC family, especially the
LULAC Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee for your help and support. We
appreciate you all so much."
Patrick Caserta, Co-Author of the Brandon Act and LULAC President, Brandon
Caserta Council
"Brandon was my son, best friend, and fellow veteran. Brandon had a smile that
made you want to smile. He is smiling down at all of us about the implementation
of the Brandon Act. He is a true hero, and his legacy of saving service members'
lives will live on. Happy heavenly birthday, son. Your parents are very proud of
you, always have been, and always will be. Join us in saving our service members'
lives. Failure is not an option when it comes to saving lives. Brandon's article
is featured in People Magazine [ [link removed] ]
at your local newsstands this Friday."
# # #
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and
oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans
and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000
councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and
advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of
today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org [ [link removed] ] .
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