Skip to main content
Image
Photo of a marina filled with boats

Representative Angie Craig Honors Life and Service of Minnesota National Guardsman in Floor Speech

February 24, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig delivered a speech on the House floor honoring the life and service of former Minnesota National Guard Specialist Derrick Ameli of Savage, Minnesota. In her remarks, Craig addressed the urgent need to tackle the suicide epidemic in this country – especially among the nation's veterans – and urged Americans to destigmatize mental health treatment.

"Addressing this epidemic is one of this nation's most urgent challenges. But in order to combat this disease, we must first destigmatize mental health treatment," Craig said. "In order to give our neighbors and our families the help they deserve, they need to feel safe and supported asking for treatment. We must begin by treating mental health as the chronic illness it can be. For Specialist Ameli and for so many others who we have lost."

A full video of Representative Craig's remarks is available here. Full text of Craig's remarks is copied below.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Specialist Derrick Ameli, a member of the Minnesota National Guard from Savage, Minnesota. Derrick was a husband, brother, friend and Guardsman whose service honored our community.

Tragically, Derrick died by suicide last month, falling victim to the sometimes fatal disease of depression. Like any ailment, no one is immune. Depression can – and does – take the very best of us.

Addressing this epidemic is one of this nation's most urgent challenges. But in order to combat this disease, we must first destigmatize mental health treatment.

In order to give our neighbors and our families the help they deserve, they need to feel safe and supported asking for treatment. We must begin by treating mental health challenges as the chronic illnesses they can be. For Specialist Ameli and for so many others who we have lost.

Issues:Veterans