Afghanistan Emergency Bulletin

Dear Neighbor,

As the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, I’m sending out this emergency bulletin to give all of Florida’s Third Congressional District an update on how we can help evacuate our American citizens as well as those with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). I have also heard from our local veteran community that many are struggling with renewed trauma.

Please take a moment to review the resources available for our community’s veterans and those working to get out of Afghanistan. If you have additional questions or if our office can help with anything in addition to the below, please do not hesitate to reach out

In Liberty,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District

Helping People Get To Safety

If you know of a U.S. Citizen, family members of U.S. Citizens, or a U.S. Military Afghan Interpreter that is currently in Afghanistan and needs help getting out, PLEASE fill out the linked form below and contact our Casework Director Dorothy Richardson over e-mail (Dorothy.Richardson@mail.house.gov).

In order for our caseworkers to process your request, you will have to fill out this form online!

Note: If the above link does not work, try copying and pasting this URL address in your browser: https://digitalprf.house.gov/ReleaseForm?id=FL03

If your situation is not allowing you to complete the online form above, we have links to two PDFs that you should complete and e-mail to Dorothy.Richardson@mail.house.gov.

(PDF) Privacy Act Form: https://cammack.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/cammack.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/privacy-act-form3-21.pdf

(PDF) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Privacy Release: https://cammack.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/cammack.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/USCIS-OLA-Privacy-Release-Oct-2019.pdf While we cannot guarantee the outcome, we are doing everything we can to help. We will not leave anyone behind.

Struggling With The News? We Can Help

Disturbing and graphic footage of the situation in Afghanistan has opened up old wounds for our veteran and active service communities and their loved ones.

You are not alone.

Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services. Scroll down for a list common reactions and coping advice provided to us by the Gulf Coast Veterans Health System.

Resources available right now:

Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
- We have many effective centers within the District and they are excellent sources for referral. If someone is having a problem connecting with someone, e-mail Dave.Hill@mail.house.gov and he can assist.
VA Mental Health Services Guide – This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
MakeTheConnection.net – information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
RallyPoint – Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
Download VA’s self-help apps – Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Request a Peer Mentor
VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
VA Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
Together We Served – Find your battle buddies through unit pages
George W. Bush Institute – Need help or want to talk? Check In or call: 1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes – Join the Community
American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – Peer Support and Mentoring
Team Red, White & Blue – Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
Student Veterans of America – Find a campus chapter to connect with.
Team Rubicon – Find a local support squad.