Rep. May: First responders have new tool to help find missing veterans: Green Alerts
Veterans made tremendous sacrifices to protect our great state and country. They deserve our full support during and after their service is done and they return to civilian life. Unfortunately, many veterans and military members struggle with mental health issues related to their service, and the number of Hoosier veterans who die by suicide is higher than the national average. Sometimes these tragedies begin as a missing persons case and that's why Indiana will launch a new tool to help find them.In Wisconsin, for example, an Air Force veteran named Corey Adams went missing in March 2017 while receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Since he wasn't considered a critical missing person and an emergency alert for veterans didn't exist, law enforcement did not begin their search immediately and he was found dead over two weeks after his family reported him missing. His life inspired the creation of a Green Alert in his home state and other states. The public notification is similar to the Amber Alert for missing children and the Silver Alert for missing seniors. And now Indiana is following suit.During the 2024 legislative session, I supported a new law to create a Green Alert to notify Hoosiers and first responders when a veteran or service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being harmed or harming themselves.
Under the law, which takes effect July 1, Indiana State Police can issue a Green Alert for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. As with the other alerts, the notification will include a description of the missing person, their last-known location and if they're considered a risk to themselves or others.
House Enrolled Act 1021 unanimously passed both the Indiana House and Senate, and received support from numerous veterans organizations including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Indiana offers hope and help to our current and former service members who may be struggling. Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press one for immediate and confidential assistance, or text 838255. Callers do not have to be enrolled in veterans benefits or health care to connect. They can also visit veteranscrisisline.net to chat with a trained specialist at any time.
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs also offers many resources, from the Military Family Relief Fund for veterans needing financial assistance with necessities like food and housing, to the Next Level Veterans program providing career training and opportunities for veterans to connect with employers. There's also a Veterans Service Office in every county to assist veterans and their families with any eligible benefits from their military service. You can also contact my Statehouse office at h65@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9600 for help accessing resources.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Column: Green Alerts for veterans, active servicemembers coming soon
