Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting PTSD Awareness Month in June.

 “The main message of PTSD Awareness Month is that help is available, and that treatment does make a difference,” said Uifa’atali Amata.

“It’s a key factor to know the symptoms, or recognize the possibility of symptoms in a loved one, and be able to discuss treatment options. PTSD is well-known to affect the lives of combat Veterans, or anyone who experiences severe trauma, and some 8 million people in the United States have PTSD.

“It’s important to treat PTSD with therapies or it can result in behavioral changes and strained relationships with loved ones. Congress has funded PTSD efforts at the VA, and their National Center for PTSD has a PTSD Consultation Program for your benefit.”

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 6411, the Supporting the Resilience of Our Nation’s Great (STRONG) Veterans Act of 2022, which is bipartisan legislation giving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) new resources to support veterans’ mental health and well-being.

Resources for veterans, families, or general awareness at https://www.ptsd.va.gov/.

CELEBRATING 78 YEARS OF THE G.I. BILL

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is commemorating 78 years of the G.I. Bill and its educational benefits for American Samoa’s Veterans.

 “This month, the G.I. Bill marked 78 years of helping Veterans pursue their educational dreams and second careers after their service to our nation,” said Aumua Amata.

“Along with health care, the GI Bill benefit is one of the most important ongoing commitments we make as a nation to those who serve. Over the years, Congress has repeatedly affirmed its importance and expanded its scope, such as technology education courses, including legislative improvements during my time on the Veterans Affairs Committee. Under congressional oversight, the VA continues to work to modernize these educational programs that have been so successful since June 22, 1944.

“As young people go into military service, the G.I. Bill provides the certainty that they will have an opportunity for ongoing education following that service, a much-deserved benefit for the 25 million Veterans who have used various G.I. Bill programs since 1944.

“The G.I. Bill’s existence is undoubtedly an important aspect of the decision for many of our young people who visit the recruiting station in Pago Pago every year,” she continued.

“My father, Governor Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman, completed college and law school during the early years of the G.I. Bill after his service in World War II, and that education paved the way for his public service when President Dwight Eisenhower focused on beginning to return Pacific Islands to local government.

“The G.I. Bill is truly part of American Samoa’s story for the last several generations. Many of our Veterans have gone on to excellent careers in many fields with those college degrees, and I’m pleased to be able to say that the G.I. Bill has strong and lasting support in Congress.”

(Source: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s Office)