U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall told Gold Star family members that he knew it took a lot of courage to attend the Memorial Day ceremony on Fort Riley Monday. Those are immediate family members of a fallen service member who has died while serving in a time of conflict.
Marshall told the families that they inspire him and many others. He referred to the mental health crisis that the nation is suffering from and the mental challenges that the military is suffering. I'm as concerned today about the mental health of the military as their physical health. " I think it's people like you who have the courage to keep telling your story, and sharing your story is what's going to heal this nation and heal those folks in so much need right now as well."
Marshall encouraged the Gold Star family associations that are working, "and just telling folks it's okay to say I'm depressed, I'm down. It's okay to reach out to other people, and just want to encourage all of our Soldiers to be reaching out to that teammate beside them and noticing when things aren't going the right direction."
Marshall spoke during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Fort Riley Post Cemetery.