As Veterans Day approaches, Arkansas’s two Republican U.S. senators, Tom Cotton and John Boozman, took the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of the state’s veterans and to underscore ongoing efforts to address veteran suicide. Both men, long‑time advocates for the men and women who have served, used the occasion to remind Arkansans that supporting veterans is a moral and constitutional duty.
Cotton’s tribute to service
Senator Cotton, an Army veteran who served from 2005 to 2009 and later in the Army Reserve, praised “generations of brave Americans” who have answered the call to defend freedom. He urged the public to remember veterans, support their families, and remain grateful for the sacrifices that keep America “the greatest nation on earth.” Cotton’s remarks reflected his own experience earning a Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge, reinforcing his credibility on defense and veteran issues.
Boozman emphasizes care and suicide prevention
Senator Boozman, whose own father was a veteran, highlighted that Arkansas is home to more than 200,000 veterans. He reiterated the timeless truth that “freedom is never free” and called for continued assistance to those who have earned it. Boozman cited the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2026 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which recorded 6,488 veteran suicides nationwide in 2024, including 92 in Arkansas.
To combat this crisis, Boozman pointed to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative he helped launch in 2020. The program has awarded over $300 million to 218 organizations, two of which operate in Arkansas, providing critical mental‑health resources and community outreach. He also praised the Veterans Crisis Line, reminding listeners that help is available 24/7 by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
Bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Crisis Line
In a recent bipartisan effort, Boozman joined Connecticut Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal to introduce legislation aimed at bolstering the Veterans Crisis Line and improving support for its employees. The bill seeks to ensure the line remains a reliable lifeline for veterans and families across the nation.
Local impact and call to action
Both senators urged Arkansans to thank veterans not only on Veterans Day but throughout the year. By highlighting the scale of veteran suicide and the substantial funding already directed to prevention programs, they framed the issue as one that requires ongoing community involvement and federal support.
For Arkansas residents, the message is clear: honoring veterans means more than ceremonies; it means sustaining the programs that protect their mental health and well‑being. As the nation reflects on the contributions of its service members, Arkansas’s congressional delegation is positioning itself as a steadfast advocate for veteran care, rooted in faith, family, and liberty.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
