Brandon Act Parents Call for Urgent Meeting with Hegseth on Military Mental Health

The parents of a Navy sailor, whose tragic suicide prompted significant reforms in military mental health protocols, are calling on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to address the escalating suicide crisis within the armed forces and to engage with them directly.

Teri Caserta has released an open letter online, accusing the Pentagon of neglecting systemic failures. “Nearly three active-duty service members take their own lives each day,” she stated. Numerous individuals endure their struggles silently, while these pressing issues remain largely ignored.

Teri and her husband, Patrick, have achieved a significant milestone by advocating for the Brandon Act. This legislation is named in honor of their son, Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who tragically took his own life in 2018 following experiences of bullying and a lack of access to mental health care. 

In 2021, legislation was enacted to enable service members to seek mental health evaluations from their supervisors confidentially, aiming to eliminate stigma and prevent command interference.

The Casertas have expressed concerns regarding the inconsistent implementation of policies, noting a lack of understanding among both leaders and troops. “Numerous individuals who take their own lives have never even been deployed,” Teri stated. “Individuals are losing their lives on U.S. soil, despite having access to resources that remain out of their reach.”

Since assuming office in January, Hegseth has issued limited public remarks regarding military suicide and mental health issues. Pentagon spokesperson Col. Christian Devine announced that Hegseth is open to meeting with the Casertas, depending on his availability.

A recent report from RAND for 2024 has revealed significant confusion within the military regarding privacy protections and self-referral options associated with the Brandon Act. This misunderstanding has been linked to a notably low utilization rate of the act's provisions.

The Casertas express optimism that a forthcoming meeting with Hegseth may redirect focus onto the ongoing crisis and urge the military to implement the legislation they worked diligently to enact.