This email contains references to suicide. 

John,

As the wife of a former U.S. Naval Aviator who flew jets over Iraq and was shot at with missiles, I know intimately the trauma of combat. Before he deployed, I asked my husband to write letters to our daughters in case he didn’t make it back. He thought I was being morbid – until the first missile nearly missed his jet. He went back to his stateroom that night and promptly wrote the letters. Thankfully, they never had to be delivered.

This Veteran’s Day, I’m thinking about all of those who have served our country, of whom we ask so much to keep Americans safe. So when they come home, they deserve to be cared for and protected. Yet, so many returning troops suffer form mental health issues caused by combat and veteran suicide is on the rise. Sadly, more veterans have died by their own hands than from enemy fire in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined.

There are ways that Congress can address veteran suicide and other injury and death involving an improperly stored or misused gun in the home that results in death or injury. And now, with gun violence prevention champions newly elected to office, we could really do something for our vets. So today, in honor of all those who’ve served, can you sign Brady’s petition and urge Congress to pass the Prevent Family Fire Act?

22 veterans kill themselves every day.  And most do so with a gun. According to the Veteran’s Administration, 66 percent of veteran suicides are with a gun. Access to firearms and knowing how to use them undoubtedly contributes to the problem. The availability of a gun can turn a temporary crisis into a lasting loss – which is why firearms are the deadliest form of suicide.

The Prevent Family Fire Act is bipartisan legislation that incentivizes the sale of safe firearm storage devices to prevent suicide, gun theft, and unintentional shootings across the country. It’s a common sense measure that will save lives. So please, in support of all veterans who have helped us, join me in helping them: Sign Brady’s petition urging Congress to pass the Prevent Family Fire Act now.

Until Congress or our state legislators take action, it is up to all of us to educate those we care about. If you know a veteran who is in crisis, encourage them to let you or someone else hold their guns for safekeeping.  Come up with a plan together for milestones which must be reached before you will return the firearms and make sure that one of those milestones is confirmation from an attending physician, psychologist or psychiatrist that it is safe to do so.  

Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect us, it’s time we protect them with the same dedication.

Thank you, John.

Martina Leinz

President, Northern Virginia Brady Chapter 

Member, Brady Board of Trustees