Dear Friend,

Due to the ongoing disaster in Afghanistan, I wanted to send out a newsletter with important resources that will be helpful for those impacted by this crisis.

If you know of a U.S. Citizen, family member of a U.S. Citizen, or a U.S. Military Afghan Interpreter that is currently in Afghanistan and in need of help leaving the country, please fill out the linked forms below and send to our Casework Director Margaret Cavanaugh over email: Margaret.Cavanaugh@mail.house.gov

PDF Privacy Act Authorization

PDF U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Privacy Release

EXCEL Afghan Processing Information for State Department 

While we cannot guarantee the outcome of casework, we will do everything in our power to assist.

Additionally, I know that the chaotic exit from Afghanistan has left many veterans feeling sad, angry, and confused. If you are a veteran who is having a hard time coping with the news coming out of Afghanistan, or know a veteran who is struggling, please check out the following resources available to help:

• Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

• Veteran Centers – Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers by calling 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.

• 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.

• Veteran Wellness Alliance – Need help or want to talk? Call 1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org

• RallyPoint: Talk to other veterans online. Discuss: what are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Call 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).

• Vets4Warriors – 1-855-838-8255.

• Code of Support – Call 1-571-418-6339 and press 1.

• Together We Served – Find your battle buddies through unit pages.

To those veterans, service members, and military families struggling with this news, please know that we are grateful for you, that your sacrifice was not in vain, and that you are not alone. My office stands ready to help, and we also have a Wounded Warrior fellow in Hermantown who is available to talk. His name is Jacob Warkentin and he can be reached at 218-481-6396.

If you have additional questions or need assistance from my office, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Congressman Pete Stauber