STATEHOUSE (April 26, 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 Jasper County legislators.
A new law, which was 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.
"Veterans and our active service members face unique challenges and ensuring they have access to mental health supports is a top priority," said State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica). "By creating a new Green Alert, we can send out a public alert, activate emergency resources and ultimately provide support to those who are considered at-risk or in crisis."
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.
"Service members and veterans face unique mental health challenges, which put them at a greater risk of suicide than the general public, especially right after leaving the service," said State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron), an Army veteran. "We know that when these individuals go missing, there's a significant chance that a tragedy occurs. Indiana is taking action by creating a new public alert that will help families and first responders find their missing loved one and connect them to help."
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.
"Many military and veteran families across our country have had a loved one go missing and never come back home," said State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer). "With a new public alert system made to mobilize trained care for our veterans and service members, we have a better chance of finding them faster and directing them to resources that can help."
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.
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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
