New Green Alert will help find missing, at-risk veterans

A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper).

A new law, which Bartels co-authored, passed during the 2024 legislative session and will create a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. The alert will function similarly to the state's successful Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors. 

"Too often veterans continue to fight long after their service has ended, but that doesn’t mean they have to fight alone and without help," said Bartels, who serves as chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "This new alert will be an important tool as Indiana seeks to address the mental health crisis facing our veterans, and I'm proud the General Assembly came together to help the men and women in uniform who need assistance."

A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.

"These kinds of alerts are some of the most effective tools that public safety officials have to mobilize support and raise awareness for those in need, and now, veterans and members of the military will have their own alert if needed," Lindauer said. "Each and every veteran should know they have the support of the entire community in case of an emergency, and thanks to this law, they will." 

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and over 6,000 died nationwide.

For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.

House Enrolled Act 1021 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate, and received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.