The head of the American Legion said Wednesday that the veterans organization would be willing to work with lawmakers on an initiative to safely store veterans’ guns at American Legion posts, especially for those who are in duress and may be contemplating suicide.
American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer told a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs committees that one post recently got such a request.
“[The veteran] reached out and called who he trusted – a fellow legionnaire in his community – and said, ‘It is OK to take my weapons.’ This is exactly what we are talking about here,” Seehafer said, according to Stars and Stripes.
Seehafer was responding to a question from Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) during the hearing on ways to reduce suicide among veterans.
“The American Legion is a trusted resource and would embrace this idea,” Seehafer said.
Stars and Stripes photo by Joe Gromelski