February 28, 2009 – A Helena veteran who has become a national leader in the fight for better mental health care for veterans has testified on Capitol Hill before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.
Matthew Kuntz’ step-brother, Chris Dana, who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, took his own life two years ago after his tour of duty in Iraq.
Following Dana’s death, the Montana National Guard started to require mandatory mental health screenings for returning veterans.
Kuntz believes that Montana can serve as an example for the rest of the country on how to identify and treat PTSD.
Montana Senator Jon Tester invited Kuntz to Washington to testify, and next week the Democrat plans to introduce legislation for rural veterans that will include a mental health component.
