HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 36

BY  KELLEY, HELLAND, KEARNS, MUHLBAUER, KOESTER, and CHAMBERS

A Resolution to recognize the efforts of Patriot Outreach, Inc. in supporting Iowa’s veterans and their families.

   WHEREAS, our nation was founded on the principles of liberty, opportunity, and justice for all, principles which the men and women of our armed forces have valiantly defended throughout our nation’s history; and
   WHEREAS, thousands of Iowans have proudly served in the armed forces, and by answering the call of duty risked their lives in response to combat, peacekeeping missions, rescue operations, and humanitarian relief efforts; and
   WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being; and
   WHEREAS, our brave soldier-citizens face significant challenges in readjusting from the stress of combat to their civilian lives, and family members experience emotional challenges coping with a loved one in danger; and
   WHEREAS, Patriot Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit organization, founded in the city of Davenport, Iowa, has provided simple, effective, nonintrusive support, designed to bridge the gap between those who seek help and the silent majority who avoid the stigma of seeking assistance; and
   WHEREAS, Patriot Outreach, Inc. has provided 55,000 “Coping Strategies” compact disks and has provided over 34,000 downloads to all branches of the armed forces, veterans, first responders, government civilians, battlefield contractors, and their families; and
   WHEREAS, these requests do pay tribute to the testimonials attesting to their effectiveness in combating anger, stress, pain, and even posttraumatic stress disorder, with the most notable bulk requests for the compact disks received from the 82nd Airborne Division, 5,000 copies; from the 91st Division, 3,000 copies; from Fort Hood, 3,500 copies; from Joint Task Force Headquarters, 1,500 copies; from USO, 1,000 copies; and from the Iowa VFW, 8,000 copies; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives recognizes all volunteer organizations that are dedicated to helping the men and women who have served our country, including Patriot Outreach, Inc., and encourage more Iowans to volunteer their services in support of Iowa’s veterans and their families.