Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09156

As a healthcare provider and veteran I welcome the clarification of this rule. I’ve provided counseling to service members and veterans both as a civilian and as a combat stress control prevention officer in a combat zone. Over the past 22 years, I’ve seen stigma and worries about betrayal by our government act as significant barriers when people needed help. During intakes I’ve heard from service members and veterans about their fears of losing their rights, their vocations, and the means to defend themselves and their families at home. Healthcare providers like myself, my fellow veterans, and military leadership have worked very hard over the last two decades to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care. Our service members and veterans who pledged to risk their lives for our country should not be punished because they asked for help. Especially when that need for help has often been due to the experiences during their service to our nation. Thank you.