Bill Named For Indiana National Guard Soldier Passes U.S. Senate

Monday, December 15, 2014 at 6:28 AM

By Mike Perleberg

Jacob W. Sexton, an Indiana National Guard soldier from Farmland, shot and killed himself during a movie on October 12, 2009. A military suicide prevention bill bearing his name is about to become law. Photo provided. (Washington, D.C.) – An Indiana U.S. Senator’s battle for legislation to stem the rate of military and veteran suicides is just one presidential pen stroke from becoming law. The Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act cleared the Senate on Friday and heads for President Barack Obama’s desk. The proposal is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly named the bill in the Senate for Indiana National Guard Specialist Jacob Sexton. The Farmland, Indiana resident was on a 15-day leave from Afghanistan in October of 2009 when he committed suicide in a movie theatre. He was 21. “After nearly two years of working on this effort with Jacob’s parents Jeff and Barb, we will honor the memory of Jacob by positively impacting servicemembers’ lives,” said Donnelly. “This common sense change will ensure we are focused not only on our Armed Forces’ physical readiness but also mental readiness. We make strides in the effort to reduce the stigma of seeking help—truly, it is a sign of strength.” Donnelly said the proposal received strong bipartisan support, including from co-author Senator Roger Wicker (R-Kansas). The Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act will require annual mental health assessments for all service members, whether active or on reserve. Donnelly’s office said the legislation also includes strong privacy protections and will require a Pentagon report to evaluate and recommend improvements for mental health practices. Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a Republican, congratulated Donnelly on the act’s passage. “As our armed forces continue to serve posts around the world in the defense of our nation, we must ensure that our brave men and women receive the care they deserve,” Pence said in a statement. “Today, through the passing of the Jacob Sexton Act, we are one step closer to making this goal a reality. I applaud the leadership of Senator Joe Donnelly and the steadfast support of the Sexton family in confronting the rise of suicide among the dedicated members of our nation’s armed forces. Thanks to their efforts, we can address the unique challenges faced by our citizen-soldiers and help to prevent this heartbreak from occurring again within families across our nation.” RELATED STORIES: AUDIO: Senator Joe Donnelly Not A Fan Of President’s Executive Action Ind. Senator’s Bill To Reduce Military Suicides Could Receive Committee Vote