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Honoring the life of Cpl. Humberto Sanchez and resources for our veterans

Last Updated on August 30, 2021 by State Senator Stacey Donato

State Senator Stacey Donato

Guest Column by State Senator Stacey Donato:

Last Thursday, Aug. 26, 13 U.S. service members died in a suicide bombing near Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport. Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, a resident of Senate District 18, was one of the American heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

A graduate of Logansport High School in 2017, Cpl. Sanchez was one of six people in his class to enlist in the Marines. He was a popular, active student who was proud to serve his country. Humberto’s sacrifice must not be forgotten and I kindly ask community members to uplift the Sanchez family in prayer as they grieve the loss of their son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

As a mom to a U.S. solider, my heart breaks for Cpl. Sanchez’s family and those who have lost loved ones to war. My family and I will continue to hold those affected by this senseless attack in our prayers and will work to ensure the lives lost are not lost to history.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with recent developments abroad, please consider the resources below:

  • Veterans Crisis Line – If you have thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then Press 1, or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net 
    • For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center 24/7, regardless of your discharge status or program enrollment.

  • Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers.
    • Seventy percent of the Vet Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or visit www.va.gov/find-locations to find a location nearest to you.

  • VA Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (Available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
    • Caregivers play an integral role in caring for veterans. As such, it is imperative that they receive the care they need to provide effective treatment at all times.

Additionally, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov for additional resources or to sign up yourself or your loved ones to access mental health services.

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