Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Recovery Options Made Easy, a peer-run behavioral health organization that serves ten counties across Western New York and the Finger Lakes. Recovery Options Made Easy is dedicated to helping individuals build independence through healing and community connection.

Recovery Options Made Easy is more than just a health organization, it is a community-centered company that has remained committed to serving regional clients for three and a half decades. The organization proudly supplies a wide array of services, including supportive housing, recovery services, and community-based support that empower individuals through lived experiences and guidance.

Mr. Speaker, what truly sets Recovery Options Made Easy apart is not just its professional excellence, but its heart, a legacy now carried into its 35th year. As we celebrate 35 years, let us recognize its success and contributions to Western New York. Its work reminds us that when we invest in people and support each other, we all benefit together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Preparedness Month because when disaster strikes, preparedness is not optional. It is essential.

Since 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has led a national preparedness campaign to improve emergency readiness. From building supply kits to organizing volunteer efforts to raising awareness about emergency alert systems, National Preparedness Month is a reminder that communities can reduce and, in some cases, prevent devastation.

Disasters don't wait for election cycles or budget negotiations. Floods, fires, blizzards, hurricanes, and tornadoes arrive suddenly, shattering lives and testing our Nation's resiliency.

When these moments arrive, FEMA must be ready to act as the lifeline that millions of Americans depend on, especially as these events are becoming more frequent, destructive, and unpredictable.

Last year alone, the United States experienced 27 disasters, costing more than $1 billion: wildfires in the West, flooding in the South, hurricanes along our coasts, tornadoes in the heartland, and blizzards in the North.

As the ranking member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, I have seen firsthand the importance of FEMA's work and the pressing need to safeguard its mission.

This National Preparedness Month, the stakes are much higher. At the very moment when Americans need strong, stable leadership in Federal emergency management, some in this Chamber and in the White House are pushing to undermine it.

Let me be clear: Eliminating FEMA, cutting preparedness grants, or hollowing out the Agency's workforce is not just reckless. It is playing politics with people's lives. It leaves families stranded, communities overwhelmed, and local responders without the Federal support they desperately need.

Preparedness begins locally, with families making plans, schools running emergency drills, local and State leaders building resilient infrastructure, and emergency managers issuing alerts for dangerous conditions, but no city, county, or State can manage the full scale of today's disasters alone.

That is why FEMA exists. It is the backbone of our Nation's disaster readiness and a bridge to recovery.

Now is the time to strengthen FEMA, not to dismantle it. FEMA brings the surge capacity, coordination, and resources that no municipality can summon alone. From housing assistance and debris removal to hazard mitigation and long-term rebuilding, FEMA is the connective tissue of our national preparedness.

As Members of Congress, we have a duty to ensure our constituents and the communities we represent never have to wonder whether their Federal Government will be there to support them when disaster strikes.

Disasters do not discriminate between red States and blue States. Preparedness is not partisan. It is a shared responsibility and moral obligation.

This National Preparedness Month, we owe it to every family, first responder, and community to ensure FEMA stands ready to help, respond, recover, and rebuild.

Mr. Speaker, we as a body have an obligation to honor our servicemembers for the sacrifices they have made for our country. This responsibility is always top of mind for me and my colleagues on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

About a year ago, I discovered that military families in my district faced a painful reality. After their loved one's passing, they could not honor their service with a headstone issued by the VA. These are families who, often years or even decades after the death of a loved one, came to fully grasp the depth of that veteran's service and sacrifice to our Nation.

These include families like that of Technical Sergeant Florian J. Fenclau, a World War II veteran, a prisoner of war, a Purple Heart recipient, and proud member of the Greatest Generation.

Under current Federal law, the VA only provides a government-issued headstone for veterans who died after November 1, 1990. This wasn't always the case. That arbitrary date was put in place as a cost-saving measure to pass legislation that same year. It is just one more item cut on a spreadsheet to make the math work at the expense of our military families.

Our veterans deserve better than this. They are men and women who bravely answered the call to serve. As Members of Congress, we have a moral obligation to fully honor the heroes who fought for this country.

The families left behind are simply asking our government to properly recognize the bravery and dedication of their loved ones. These are Americans who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all hold dear. The quality of a veteran's memorial should not be based on when they die but, rather, every memorial must provide dignity, respect, and lasting recognition for all who wear the uniform.

That is why I introduced the Honoring Our Heroes Act. It ensures veterans who passed before 1990 receive the VA-issued headstone they earned and to guarantee that no veteran's memory is ever forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano for working with me in advancing this commonsense legislation. With their help, we are now that much closer to helping our military families correct the wrongs of the past.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the extraordinary career of my dear friend, Herbert Bellamy, Jr., the longest serving member and chairman of the Buffalo Sewer Authority board, who recently retired after 33 years.

After being appointed to the board in 1991, Herb was elected as chair on July 1, 1994. As chairman, Herb championed diversity, equity, and inclusion among the authority's workforce, appointing the first Black general manager in the authority's history and expanding contract opportunities for minorities and women-owned businesses.

Through his steady leadership, Herb has set a standard for navigating challenges while keeping the focus on service and community, so when the Niagara Business Association sought a new president, it was only fitting that Herb was entrusted with the role this past July.

In each and every endeavor, Herb has built a culture of accountability and empowerment. As CEO of Bellamy Enterprises, Buffalo Black Achievers, and Niagara Falls Black Achievers, among many other hats he wears, Herb has consistently created platforms that amplify excellence in our community and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Building on his father, Herb Bellamy, Sr.'s legacy, the Bellamy name remains synonymous with leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting communities too often overlooked.

The Bellamy family's impact on our community is also felt through Herb and Marilyn, his wife; their three children, Jason, Chantelle, and Brandon; and their grandson, Jaxon.

I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside Herb over the years, and I have seen firsthand the quiet strength, humility, and conviction he brings to every room.

Herb has helped lay the foundation for a more just, more inclusive, and more vibrant future for every western New Yorker. I thank Herb for his service, for his vision, and for showing all of us what it means to lead with heart, with purpose, and with people in mind.

May his next chapter be filled with the same passion and dedication that have defined his incredible journey so far. On behalf of a grateful community, State, and Nation, I wish my good friend, Herb Bellamy, Jr., nothing but the best and Godspeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Flying Bison Brewery in Buffalo and pay tribute to a true Buffalo original, my dear friend, Tim Herzog.

On May 1, 2000, Flying Bison poured its first draft, becoming Buffalo's first standalone brewery since 1972. Twenty-five years later, New York has grown into the Nation's second largest craft beer market.

Thanks to Tim Herzog's vision, Flying Bison helped spark the revival of craft brewing, now a cultural and economic cornerstone of western New York.

Tim's impact reaches far beyond craft brewing. He has always been a steadfast champion for our region: supporting small businesses, strengthening our communities, and mentoring the next generation.

While he is now retired, Tim continues to give back: teaching at the university of Buffalo, offering free programs for seniors, supporting organizations like Make-A-Wish, and Go Bike Buffalo.

Time and again, Tim Herzog has shown up when it mattered most because that is who he is, an advocate for western New York's small businesses, families, and our way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Tim Herzog on this milestone, and I thank him for being a true ambassador for the City of Good Neighbors. ``Cheers''; ``Slainte, Brost, Nostrovia,'' to 25 years and many, many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, Gene Vukelic, a man whose vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on our community, our State, and our Nation.

Gene passed away at the age of 94 on August 3 of this year. Gene Vukelic was a successful businessman, a devoted husband and father, a veteran, and a man of deep faith and enormous generosity whose impact on western New York will be felt for generations to come.

Gene was a patriot. After serving his country honorably as an instructor sergeant with the United States Marine Corps 3rd Division, Gene returned home to Buffalo and devoted himself to building both his family and his father's business, Try-It Distributing, into a regional powerhouse.

Over the span of six decades, Gene grew what started as a small family business during prohibition into our region's premier beverage distribution company, now in its fourth generation of family leadership.

Under his leadership, the company grew from a modest operation of 12 employees into a cornerstone of western New York's economy, employing over 600 individuals and operating statewide.

Through subsidiaries like Balkan Beverage and Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service, Try-It became one of the largest distributors in the Nation, while remaining true to its roots as a family business.

Gene's love for his family was the foundation of it all. Alongside his beloved wife of 67 years, Carole, they raised a large and loving family, instilling in their children the same commitment to community that defined Gene's life.

Gene's seven children--Mary Ellen, Paul, Suzanne, Timothy, Jeffrey, Peter, Matt, and his late son, Gregory--21 grandchildren, and 21 great- grandchildren are a testament to the values he embodied.

Beyond his family, Gene poured his energy into strengthening western New York through philanthropy and service. From the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Nardin Academy, from Canisius University to Mercy Hospital, and so many more, countless organizations and institutions flourished because of his support.

Those who knew Gene will say his generosity was never about recognition. It was a chance to give back and to make a difference and to lift others up.

Gene was a proud graduate of Canisius High School, class of 1948. He lived the values instilled in him through his Jesuit education. He mentored countless young people and never hesitated to lend a helping hand, quietly offering support to those in need and expecting nothing in return.

That is who Gene was. He was a provider, a protector, and a man with a heart too big to measure. Western New York has lost a giant and one of our greatest champions.

We remember Gene Vukelic for the business he built, for the community he nurtured, the causes he supported, the people he loved, and the legacy he leaves us. His life reminds us that true success lies in service to others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Gene P. Vukelic and in extending our deepest condolences to the entire Vukelic family.

May Gene Vukelic rest in peace, and may we all strive to lead with his same sense of purpose and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome back Reverend Tony Rigoli to celebrate a special mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in Buffalo, New York. Our community is thankful for the guidance and comfort Father Rigoli provides to parishioners across Western New York, and we are humbled and honored that he has returned to continue spreading the word of God.

Father Rigoli was born in Buffalo and grew up on the West Side, where he graduated from Grover Cleveland High School. He was ordained as a priest in 1972 in the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He served as pastor of Holy Angels Church on Porter Avenue, as well as the Chaplain of D'Youville College, throughout the 1990's, in the heart of the neighborhood he knew so well. He then continued his ministry at St. Rose of Lima parish in North Buffalo, where he was associate pastor until his departure from Buffalo in 2002.

Father Rigoli has been the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, which is also the International Shrine of St. Jude, in New Orleans, Louisiana, since 2002. During his tenure in New Orleans, Father Rigoli helped parishioners through extremely trying times in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Ida. COVID-19, as well as the New Year's Day terror attack. He has served as a guiding light for many in need of counsel, faith, and support, and the people of New Orleans are blessed to have him.

Today, we honor the lasting impact Reverend Tony Rigoli has made on Western New York, touching countless lives and guiding those on the path of Jesus Christ. The people of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church have a steadfast leader who cares deeply about his parishioners and the people of New Orleans. I am thankful that Reverend Rigoli has returned to St. Rose of Lima Church in Buffalo to spread his everlasting light upon us all. May we all thank him for his tireless acts of service to the communities he loves.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Spears, the director of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library system.

Although John only became director of the Buffalo & Erie County Library in April 2022, his brief tenure, backed by 25 years of experience, left an indelible mark on western New York.

John was an inspiring leader who worked tirelessly to expand access and make libraries in western New York more inclusive, from eliminating fines for overdue books to redesigning the Central Library to be safer and more welcoming for everyone.

John was a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He was honored by the New York Library Association for innovative leadership and fostering relationships across every community.

In 2022, I had the privilege of working alongside John on a project to digitize the William A. Miles collection at the Merriweather Library, the largest resource center in western New York for information on African-American history.

From the moment the effort began, John was all in. This was just one of the countless examples of John's commitment to making our public institutions more just, representative, and responsive to the people we serve.

John saw libraries as a way of connecting people to their potential-- a place where anyone, regardless of their background, could go, sit down, and learn.

On July 20, after a courageous battle with cancer, John passed away. Yet, his legacy lives on. He created a stronger, more inclusive library system that he helped to build. His legacy will last forever.

John is survived by his partner, Brian Dimit; his father, Robert; his brother, Evans; and his sister, Katherine. He leaves behind countless friends and colleagues across western New York and beyond.

I thank John for his service, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of community. He will be deeply missed.

May John Spears rest in peace.

Celebrating Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo on 80th

Anniversary

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of an incredible milestone, the 80th anniversary of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo.

Since its founding in 1945, the JCC has stood as a pillar of strength, compassion, and community in western New York. For eight decades, it has served as a cornerstone of our region that reflects the diversity, resilience, and generosity of western New York. With two vibrant campuses, one in Amherst and one in the heart of Buffalo, the JCC opens its doors to over 1,000 individuals each and every day.

Whether it is early childhood education, enriching after-school programs, fitness classes, summer day camps, or arts and cultural events, and much more, the JCC is a space for everyone at every stage of life.

At its core, it is a place that brings people together. It is where families grow, friendships form, traditions are celebrated, and community is built.

The JCC's mission is rooted in inclusion. Regardless of background, faith, or ability, everyone is welcome.

The 80th anniversary of the JCC is more than a celebration. It is about the legacy that continues to shape the present and inspire the future.

I thank the leadership, staff, volunteers, and generations of families who have walked through the JCC's doors for creating a home where values endure, culture thrives, and people belong.

On behalf of a grateful western New York, I congratulate them on a remarkable 80 years. Here is to many, many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of U.S. Army Specialist Javier Villanueva, a patriot, a son, a husband, a father, and an American hero.

Javier Villanueva lived a life defined by character, integrity, and selflessness. These values were instilled in him from an early age, especially by his father, U.S. Army veteran Wilfredo Rivera.

During a recent visit to Puerto Rico, I had the honor of meeting with Wilfredo, and we spoke about the extraordinary young man Javier was. We talked about his moral compass, his commitment to service, and the strength that shaped his life and sacrifice.

In 2003, Javier followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Army where he served with distinction in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry. He was later deployed to Iraq where he served with honor until his life was tragically cut short on November 24, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, Javier embodied the very best of who we are as a nation. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we hold dear come at an immense cost. He gave everything for people he would never meet and for ideals we must never take for granted.

Javier is survived by his wife, Felicia; daughter, Taliyah; his parents, Christine and Wilfredo; his brothers, Command Sergeant Major Wilfredo Rivera and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carlos Rivera.

As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I carry stories like Javier's with me every day. They remind me of the sacred obligation we have to support every veteran who comes home and honor every fallen hero with the dignity that they have earned.

Specialist Villanueva's courage, leadership, and selflessness will never be forgotten. May Javier Villanueva rest in peace. May God protect his family. May God bless the United States of America.

Honoring James M. Kapsiak

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of James M. Kapsiak, a proud Buffalonian, a devoted educator, and a beloved pillar of our community, whose life was defined by service.

Jim was the embodiment of selflessness, whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, or in the pews of his church. After earning his master's degree from the University of Buffalo, Jim dedicated 33 years to Emerson Vocational High School where he taught physical education, health, and computer technology.

Outside the classroom, Jim was a leader on the court and the field, coaching numerous sports at Emerson and leaving a lasting legacy as a proud coach of the girls' basketball team.

With every student, he brought patience and compassion, meeting them where they were and helping them to grow. His passion reflected a deep commitment to helping young people build confidence, discipline, and a belief in themselves that would carry them through life.

Jim's service didn't stop at the school doors. He served with distinction as a representative for the Buffalo Teachers Federation and remained active in civic life through his work at the Erie County Voter Registration Office.

As a deacon, mentor, coach, and friend, Jim gave his time and heart generously to those around him. Above all else, he was a family man. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ruth; his children, Jennifer and Bradford; and his grandsons, Noah, Aiden, and Blake. Each are a testament to his love and his legacy.

Jim's decades of service were rooted in love for his community, and his impact will be felt for generations. On behalf of our entire western New York community and a grateful nation, may Jim Kapsiak rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Forest Lawn Cemetery and the 175th anniversary of the internment of its oldest resident, Mr. John Lay. The founder of Forest Lawn Cemetery, Mr. Charles Clarke and his wife, Mrs. Mary Anna Clarke, created a pristine burial site for Buffalo residents because of their generosity and commitment to the community. Mr. Lay, the first permanent resident at Forest Lawn, was blessed with the Clarke's donation to ensure his eternal resting place and left a legacy of prevailing beneficence.

Forest Lawn Cemetery has continuously served both the past and present members of the Buffalo community, and is acknowledged as a place where grief can pivot to the celebration of life for permanent residents. The cemetery's monuments, architecture, and well-maintained landscape allow the history and accomplishments of those who have passed to be respected and remembered. This iconic cemetery is the final resting place of more than 165,000 individuals, recognizing that every life should be cherished and remembered with a peaceful rest for eternity.

Today, we recognize the inaugural inductees into Forest Lawn's John Lay Society and honor the lives and legacies of those who lie at peace. Forest Lawn Cemetery's unwavering contribution to the preservation of Western New York's rich history has attracted and educated community members throughout the globe, helping to shape future generations, and we are all the better for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Paul Marzello and his remarkable career of service as President and CEO to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, as he enters into retirement after many years of dedicated work. Mr. Marzello's impactful leadership with the Park has strengthened the legacy of the Nation's largest inland naval park, through strategic partnerships and innovative outreach programs.

Mr. Marzello has inspired civic engagement and preserved crucial American history by way of his visionary leadership and commitment to our Nation's history. His work directly focused on making connections with local and national institutions to bolster STEM education, as well as strengthening relationships with veterans' organizations and civic leaders. Mr. Marzello's experience and dedication to fostering relationships between local and national organizations deepened his unwavering commitment to the Western New York community.

Mr. Marzello's innovative guidance and commitment to honoring United States veterans and preserving our Nation's military history was instrumental in spearheading the pre-restoration of the U.S.S. The Sullivans, a retired United States Navy Fletcher-class destroyer that previously faced partial sinking from extreme weather conditions. Mr. Marzello's `Master Plan' restoration project garnered financial support from local, state, and federal leaders, along with national media attention.

Today, as Mr. Marzello retires from his dedicated service, and innumerable medal presentations, we celebrate not only his professional accomplishnments but also his unwavering commitment to Western New York and the United States of America. His continued outreach, insight, and loyal devotion to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park has forged a strong path for the preservation of our Nation's history for generations to come, and we are all the better for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Ms. Agnes Bain, a beloved Western New York

community member whose love and devotion to African American arts has shaped the way that future generations understand, celebrate, and preserve Black cultural expression.

Ms. Bain spent nearly five decades at the African American Cultural Center in Buffalo, New York, including two decades holding the role of Executive Director, helping to ensure that African American arts of all variations were celebrated and kept alive for Black culture and storytelling. Throughout her career, Ms. Bain, as a multimedia producer, created over one hundred African American centered works across film, television, music, and dance.

Appointed by former Buffalo, New York Mayor Anthony Masiello to the New York State Council on the Special Arts Service Program, she focused her attention on expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of community members throughout New York State. Alongside her work with the African American Cultural Center, Ms. Bain held the position of board member on the East Side Coalition of the Arts and the Niagara Frontier Folk Art Council.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Agnes Bain lived a life of devotion to community, and her love of the fine arts. Her unwavering commitment to what she loved and her compassion towards others made a profound impact on all who knew her. Ms. Bain was a woman who believed in the power and significance of African American arts and culture above all else, and worked tirelessly to uplift, protect, and share with future generations. Her kindness, loyalty, and warmth will forever be remembered. Let us continue to honor her legacy by carrying forward the values she lived by: respect, preservation, and above all, love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Helen Shallowhorn Lee. Her life is a remarkable story of love and resilience, which we celebrate as she reaches this significant milestone.

Born on June 23, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, Mrs. Shallowhorn Lee is one of five children of Mr. Wade and Mrs. Helen Shallowhorn. For much of her life, she has been an active and faithful member of New Covenant United Church of Christ. Together, through their faith, Mrs. Shallowhorn Lee and her husband, Mr. Robert Finnis Lee, Jr., became devoted parents to Robert and Carolyn (Clanton), and later a grandmother to Aaron and great-grandmother to Cameron.

Over the century, she has witnessed many changes in her life and community, yet her love for those around her has remained a constant source of strength. After twenty-six years of service, Mrs. Shallowhorn Lee retired from Erie County Medical Center. Following her retirement, she chose to volunteer more than three decades at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, affectionately known as ``The Book Lady'' to all she encountered.

Mr. Speaker, today, we honor Mrs. Helen Shallowhorn Lee for her lifetime of service, love, and faith to both her family and community. Mrs. Shallowhorn Lee's life is a testament to the power of goodwill and dedication to others, and her legacy of care and kindness will surely live on for generations to come. On behalf of a grateful community, I wish Mrs. Helen Shallowhorn Lee a joyful and blessed 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Brunette Washington, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community member whose love, compassion, and devotion to her family and Western New York inspired all who knew her. Mrs. Washington passed away this month at the age of 111, having lived a fulfilling and rewarding life.

Mrs. Washington was born on June 7, 1914, in Forkland, Alabama, and later moved to Lackawanna, New York, where she shared more than seven decades with her husband, Mr. James Washington. Together, the loving couple became parents to Israel, Willie (Lott), Marvis (Washington), and Winona (Kirkland).

She is survived by many who loved her, including five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, eleven great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild. Her love for her family and community left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Respectfully known as ``Mother Washington'' to her congregation at Macedonia Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, member of the nurses guild, and President of the Mission Society, she is remembered for ministering to the youth, helping those in need, and as a joyful singer for the Lord in the church's choir.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Brunette Washington lived a life of devotion to her family, her community, and her faith. Her unwavering commitment to those she loved and her compassion towards others made a profound impact on all who knew her. Mrs. Washington was a woman who believed in the importance of family above all else and worked tirelessly to support those around her. Her kindness, loyalty, and warmth will forever be remembered. Let us continue to honor her legacy by carrying forward the values she lived by: respect, service, and above all, love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, a day dedicated to increasing public knowledge about PTSD, a complex mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Nearly eight million people in the United States are living with PTSD, many suffering and unaware of the resources available. Living with PTSD can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, and an awareness of one's emotional wellbeing, including signs and symptoms such as avoidance, flashbacks, and hyper vigilance is essential to fostering healing and accessing support.

Advancements have been made over the years to better understand and treat PTSD. Through research and lived experience, PTSD has been recognized as a natural response to overwhelming events. Community awareness, peer support, and destigmatizing mental health care are essential to curating healing spaces. Education and training have equipped community members throughout the globe to be able to identify and respond to individuals suffering from PTSD with sensitivity and deep understanding.

To day, we recognize National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day and the strides made by countless individuals and those who walk alongside them with love and support. Let this day serve as a reminder that help is available, not only through treatment but empathy, education and advocacy. Each year of acknowledgement helps to break down stigma and build caring environments for future generations and we are all the better for it.