Nelson testimony: inclusive language and gaps in family recognition

This is recognition more for military-connected families.

I want to acknowledge that I am seeing meaningful changes in the language used in event announcements, articles, and public writings.

I appreciate that more organizations are referring not only to veterans,

but also to families, military families and military connected families.

If anybody know me, this is all I speak about.

This inclusive language matters.

When a communication says only veterans, it can unintentionally leave out military-connected families, including families whose veteran

loved one died from a health issue, a health condition, and families who did not personally serve.

Naming military-connected families, opening the doors for more people to step into these spaces, be recognized, and receive support.

Now, I recently saw a public item identifying Gold Star families in connection with housing with the veterans also in a whole article, which was beautiful.

Now, it speaks about housing assistance schedule to launch on October 1st.

FYI, October 1st is the 20th year anniversary.

My late husband, Sergeant Mario, was killed in combat.

So I am hitting 20 years.

Now, my question is around this.

For those that are not considered Gold Star families,

For those that...

I met a young lady that is, she was a fiance.

Her fiance was killed riding his motorcycle.

She will not receive the same benefits that I received.

She received something totally different.

Now, does that include that particular demographics of a family?

Because you can't call a surviving spouse.

So where does that include her?

And she has four children.

I want to affirm that these efforts are being heard and are making a difference.

I also have additional matters to raise in a future meeting.

Now.

Honoring Adam.