STATEHOUSE (May 1, 2024) – A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by Elkhart County legislators.
A new law, which passed during the 2024 legislative session, will create a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. The alert will function similarly to the state's successful Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors.
"By activating a Green Alert, we can react more quickly to find a veteran or service member in crisis," said State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City). "Just as our Amber Alert and Silver Alert have helped locate and return missing Hoosiers, our goal is to increase the likelihood of bringing these heroes back home to their loved ones."
A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.
"Too many veterans are struggling, and the suicide rate continues to increase at an alarming rate," said State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury), who serves as vice-chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "The new Green Alert will notify the public immediately if someone is missing, which could help families and responders in their search and ultimately saves lives."
"Statewide alerts like the Amber Alert and Senior Alert have been successful in relaying information to the public to help locate individuals who are at risk," said State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart). "We want to support and help our veterans and active service members as much as possible, and this new alert will help us do just that."
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and over 6,000 died nationwide.
For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.
"Service members fight a different fight when they return home and do their best to adjust to civilian life with all of its new stresses," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "Help and hope is available to these struggling heroes and I hope this new alert also helps us spread the word about the resources out there."
House Enrolled Act 1021 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate, and received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
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