Maine veteran calls on Congress to do more to help those who've served

PORTLAND (WGME) – The national leader of the American Legion, who also lives in Maine, is calling on Congress to do more to help veterans.

Wednesday, Senator Susan Collins introduced Vincent "Jim" Troiola, a veteran from Windham, who is now the national commander of the American Legion.

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They talked about a range of issues, including the American Legion's "Be the One Initiative," aimed at curbing veterans suicide rates.

"The goal is to destigmatize asking for mental health support, provide peer-to-peer resources and educate everyone on how they can be the one to reach out to a veteran in distress," Collins said.

"We ask Congress to support the funding and staffing requests necessary for VA to strengthen its role, and help us save lives," Troiola said.

Troiola also says the VA needs to come up with incentives to increase staffing so more veterans get mental health treatment they need.