New Green Alert will help find and protect veterans in crisis

In 1996, the Amber Alert System was introduced to help find abducted children. In 2006, the Silver Alert System was launched primarily to locate missing seniors.

This year, the state of Indiana implemented a “Green Alert” to notify the public that a veteran or service member is missing and may be at risk of injury.

Indiana General Assembly members expressed concern during the last legislative session that the state’s veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and more than 6,000 died nationwide.

“Some military members may face unique challenges upon returning home and may have mental health issues that greatly impact their lives,” said Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus. “The Green Alert will help draw attention to these heroes who go missing in a crisis, increasing the likelihood that they will receive help quickly.”

Lauer is a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.

“Unfortunately, data has shown that many military members suffer from mental health disorders such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),” said Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville. “By informing the public, media and first responders that one of these heroes is missing and in danger, we could have a better chance of saving a life and reuniting families.”

For confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 at any time – then press 1 or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Callers do not need to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or healthcare to connect. Hoosiers can also visit Veteranscrisisline.net and participate in a chat with a VA responder.

Indiana State Police could issue a Green Alert for veterans, active military, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the person being reported missing.

As with the Amber and Silver alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the person, as well as whether they are considered at risk to themselves or others, according to a Statehouse news release.

The creation of the Green Alert was introduced in House Enrolled Act 1021, introduced Jan. 8 by state Rep. Mitch Gore, R-Indianapolis. Final passage in the Indiana House of Representatives occurred on February 1, while the bill was approved by the Indiana Senate on February 26. The vote was unanimous in both chambers.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed the law creating Public Law 40 on March 11.

The effort to create a green alert was supported by the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.