On March 3, 2015 SSG Thomas Rittal took his own life with a single gunshot wound to the head. Thomas was an active member of the Army and served deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, returning from his last tour in September 2013.
Like many troops returning from combat, Thomas suffered from PTSD and was ultimately classified as "high-risk suicidal". Despite this classification and Thomas' proactive approach to seeking care, his needs were not adequately addressed.
In 2014, HR 3230, the Veterans’ Access, Choice + Accountability Act was signed into law, which emphasized holding senior officials accountable for negligence and misconduct.
We ask this Administration to investigate the delinquent care leading up to Thomas' death and hold derelict military officials liable for their inaction.