Madison, WI – Wisconsinites are familiar with Amber and Silver Alerts, which signal to law enforcement and members of the community that a child or elderly person has gone missing. If a bi-partisan group of legislators has their way, the state will add a third alert – a Green Alert – to help locate missing at-risk veterans.
Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Representative Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc), and Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) have authored the Corey Adams Searchlight Act – named for a Milwaukee Air Force Veteran who passed away earlier this year after going missing for 18 days.
“By creating the Green Alert, we are honoring Corey’s memory and working to prevent other tragedies,” said Senator Johnson. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much, yet they don’t always receive the support that they need to manage the challenges of service-related health conditions. This bill gives us the tools we need offer aid when a veteran goes missing.”
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 20 veterans commit suicide each day. While veterans make up less than 9 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 19 percent of all suicides in America.
“Veterans volunteer to make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Rep. Kleefisch. “We should do everything possible to make sure we take care of them when they are in need in any way.”
“We’ve seen the success of the Amber and Silver Alerts,” added Sen. Testin. “This bill could help save lives, and I think we owe it to our veterans to pass this bill.”
This bill is supported by the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the VFW. It will circulate for co-sponsorship until Wednesday, October 11th, then be referred to committees in the Assembly and Senate.
