Reps. Zinke & MacArthur Join Navy SEALs to Raise Awareness for PTSD and Veteran Suicide Prevention
Press Release
Over the weekend, Congressman Tom MacArthur (NJ-03) and Congressman and retired Navy SEAL Commander Ryan Zinke (MT-00) joined former Navy SEALs in Point Pleasant, NJ, at the second annual Warriors for Warriors Charity Shark Tournament. The tournament benefitted Operation Restored Warrior, a non-profit, veteran-run organization that helps veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The duo also donated two Navy SEAL flags signed by fabled Navy SEAL hero, Rob O'Neill, to the silent auction that fetched more than $40,000 for the charity. In all, more than 150 people participated in the fundraiser and 55 teams in the tournament. Together they raised more than $80,000, doubling last year's total.
"I'm proud of the work Warriors for Warriors and Operation Restored Warrior are doing to help our veterans transition back into civilian life when they return home from war," said Rep. Zinke. "Too often, our warriors come home and find they don't have access to the types of treatments and support that are critical to readjusting. Veterans helping veterans is something I've long advocated for, and I have seen the power of helping our fellow brothers and sisters first-hand after spending 23 years in the Navy SEALs. As the first SEAL in the House it's my duty to use my experience to help advance care and treatment for our healing heroes. I'm honored to join these organizations, Rep. Tom MacArthur and the local community in raising funds and awareness for PTSD and suicide prevention services."
"I'm proud that Warriors for Warriors chose our South Jersey community for the second time to host their annual fundraiser. Serving the 65,000 veterans in the Third District is a top priority of mine in Congress, and I'm working to prevent veteran suicide by offering more flexibility for mental health care services. The work of Warriors for Warriors and Operation Restored Warrior to help our veterans and raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicide prevention services deserves our complete support" said Rep. MacArthur. "It is tragic that 22 veterans commit suicide every day. During an incredibly challenging time in their lives, our veterans shouldn't have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access mental health care services. Working together in Congress and with charitable organizations like ORW, we can curb veteran suicide rates and help our heroes transition back into their local communities when they return home."
"We at Warriors for Warriors and Operation Restored Warrior were honored to have our local Congressman Tom MacArthur and retired Navy SEAL Congressman Ryan Zinke take such an active role helping raise awareness of the tragic impact of PTSD and raise funds to help heal our veterans," said Dave Lesperance, founder of Warriors for Warriors. "Thanks to their support, we more than doubled the funds raised from last year. Helping our warriors who wore the uniform, when they come home from war, is something everyone in the community can help with and this is our way to help. I look forward to continuing this charitable tradition and saving more lives."
Earlier this year, Congress passed the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which helps prevent veteran suicide, and last month Rep. MacArthur introduced the Veterans' Mental Health Care Access Act, which is gaining support from both health care and veterans organizations. MacArthur's bill would allow any veteran enrolled in the Choice program to immediately access mental health care at any facility normally eligible for reimbursement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A provision dubbed the "40 mile fix" was introduced by Rep. Zinke in the House and was recently adopted by the VA to allow veterans in rural areas to access local health care outside the VA system.
Also fishing with Zinke and MacArthur were Hainesport resident and former SEAL Ryan Peters, and Operation Restored Warrior founder CMSgt (Ret) Paul Lavelle, MSC (26 yrs USAF Medic).
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