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A New York representative iscalling for more veterans' supportfollowing the death of one of his former political opponents, who had served in the military.
The 41-year-oldwas found deadat the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery on Tuesday.
Rep. Antonio Delgado made the call for improved veterans services in a statement released the same day.
“Kyle’s death is tragically felt not only on an individual level, but also nationally, as far too many veterans across our country are going without the support and care that their service to our great land undoubtedly necessitates,” Delgado said.
“My heart breaks for Kyle, and his beautiful family,” he continued, adding, “I’m praying for all who loved him — his friends, fellow soldiers, and family.”
“We can and must do better,” Delgado said.
Kyle Van De Water.
A University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Albany Law School graduate, Van De Water was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2006 — the same year he became an active duty member of the U.S. Army, per theTimes Union.
He served for eight years before being honorably discharged in 2014, receiving the Bronze Star in 2011 and the Meritorious Service Medal.
In July, Van De Water announced his plan to run again for a House seat in 2022. But heabruptly ended his campaignon Aug. 27 — less than two weeks before his death — after, he said, circumstances in his life meant he was “no longer able to give 110% towards this endeavor.”
Ryan Sweet, who remained friends with Van De Water after serving in the Army with him for more than two years, told theTimes Unionthat “any positive word that you can find in the dictionary” would describe him.
“He’s courageous, loyal, patriotic, intelligent, an amazing husband and father. He would have done anything for anybody,” Sweet said.
Delgado also reflected on Van De Water’s passion, especially for his country, in Tuesday’s statement.
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“We shared a number of conversations about family and country,” he said, “and I walked away from each one knowing that he had a profound love for both.”
“May God rest Kyle’s soul,” the lawmaker concluded. “And may God bless his family.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
