WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced the Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act, bipartisan legislation directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an official Green Star flag for the next of kin of veterans who die by suicide.
Named in honor of Sergeant Walter F. Hartnett IV, a dedicated American servicemember whose life was tragically lost to the invisible wounds of war, the legislation seeks to provide both recognition and solace to families who continue to carry the burdens of military service after their loved one’s passing.
Walt was first a 13-year US Army veteran, serving nine years in the active-duty Army and four years in the reserves. As Commander of Conshohocken VFW Post 1074 and Commander of Pennsylvania VFW District 16, Walt created a home for those who needed community. For nearly two years, Walt served as the Veterans Affairs representative for Congresswoman Dean, connecting veterans to vital resources and always lending a listening ear.
“Walt Hartnett was a man devoted to service — to his country, his fellow veterans, his Conshohocken community, and, above all, his beautiful family. I was blessed to work alongside him, and our office was better because of his powerful voice for veterans in need. He led an expansive life, one that we lost too soon to suicide,” said Rep. Dean. “Every day, we lose an estimated 22 veterans to suicide — men and women who gave of themselves entirely for our freedom, and who bore wounds civilians cannot fathom. Yet, their families receive no federal recognition for such excruciating loss. The Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act would change that by creating a Green Star Service flag to raise awareness of the crisis of veteran suicide and provide resources for their loved ones. I thank my fellow Pennsylvanian, Congressman Rob Bresnahan, for co-leading this important and personal bipartisan bill.”
“We honor those who gave their lives for our country on the battlefield, but we cannot forget those who lost their lives to the lasting wounds of service,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Veterans Day is a crucial reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of each veteran, including those who lose their lives to suicide. The Green Star flag will serve as a visible reminder that these veterans and their families’ sacrifices matter and that our nation stands beside them.”
“Families who have lost a Veteran to suicide deserve their own place of honor, not hidden under any other banner, and no longer overlooked,” said Matt Cahill, Green Star Families of America Founder. “The Green Star Service Banner affirms that their loss matters, their service endures, and their strength will forever stand as part of America’s storied legacy of service and sacrifice.”
The Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act affirms a national commitment to destigmatizing mental health in the armed forces and ensuring every veteran’s legacy is honored with dignity.
Read the full text of the bill here.
Watch Congresswoman Dean pay tribute to Walt and the Hartnett family on the House floor here.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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