The newly introduced bipartisan Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act provides recognition and support to families of veterans who died by suicide.
Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. sponsor the bill. The bill calls on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a Green Star flag for next of kin of veterans lost to suicide.
The legislation honors Sergeant Walter F. Hartnett IV, a devoted servicemember from Conshohocken who tragically killed himself. It seeks to provide recognition and comfort to families under the burdens of military service after the loss of a loved one.
A 13-year US Army veteran, Hartnett spent nine years on active duty and four years in the reserves. He led Conshohocken VFW Post 1074 and Pennsylvania VFW District 16, ensuring a sense of community and belonging to all needing it. He was also the Veterans Affairs representative for Dean.
“Walt Hartnett was a man devoted to service – to his country, his fellow veterans, his Conshohocken community, and, above all, his beautiful family,” said Dean. “I was blessed to work alongside him, and our office was better because of his powerful voice for veterans in need.”
To read more about the new bill, refer to Madeleine Dean.
