Good Morning Chairman Michaud, Ranking Member Miller and distinguished members of this subcommittee.

I am proud that we are meeting today to discuss the need for mental health services for veteran’s families.

I thank the members of this subcommittee for gathering to discuss an issue that gives due credit to the families who support our veterans’ everyday.

It is critical that we review these issues immediately to keep pace with the demands our military puts on the families of our service members and veterans.

Our nation’s responsibility to our veterans and troops must change as the needs of our military change.

Our veterans serve our country honorably and their families are a vital support system while they serve and when they return home.

This issue should be examined fully to ensure that those who served our nation receive the benefits they have earned.

I look forward to evaluating the current system of mental health services that we have in place and I thank the members of this committee for giving us the opportunity to discuss issues that benefit our veteran’s families.