Recognizing Kathy Daily's Dedicated Service to Hoosier Veterans

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kathy Daily for the incredible work she does day in and day out caring for those who have worn the uniform of the United States Military.

As a registered nurse for mental health at the Jackie Walorski VA Clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana, Kathy serves on the frontlines in the ongoing battle to make sure Hoosier veterans are well-cared for and receive the quality mental health treatment they need and deserve. When our veteran heroes return home from battle, they often struggle with invisible scars and wounds that are not physically noticeable. Kathy works tirelessly to bind up and heal those wounds and support veterans in crisis situations.

Kathy's extensive background in the military and with veterans' groups is part of what makes her such an effective advocate for them. From serving in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm to now serving as Vice Commander of the Edwardsburg VFW Post in Cass County, Michigan, along with various veteran suicide prevention groups, there are few people who better understand the veteran community and their challenges and needs better than Kathy does.

One of the veterans who Kathy went above and beyond for in a time of crisis is someone I have also had the privilege of getting to know well: retired Sergeant Ted Grubbs. An Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, Ted was diagnosed with service-connected complex post-traumatic stress disorder and complex traumatic brain injury after returning home from duty. In April 2023, Ted experienced a severe mental health crisis and put a pistol in his mouth before, fortunately, putting the pistol down.

In the immediate aftermath of that incident, Kathy was there and available for Ted 24/7, and she made sure he was supported and received the treatment he needed. It is not hyperbole to say that Kathy saved Ted's life, and there are other veterans who woke up this morning and can say the same because they had Kathy in their corner. As we reflect on all the tremendous sacrifices our veterans have made across the generations defending liberty and preserving this great American experiment, it is equally important to express our gratitude to those individuals who care for them when they return home.

I, and many others, are extremely grateful to Kathy Daily for being a voice for veterans when no one else will speak up for them, and to make sure crisis situations don't turn into tragedies. I thank Kathy and all those doing diligent, dedicated work supporting and caring for America's veterans.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source