Legislation aimed at curbing an alarming tide of veterans' suicides passed Congress and headed to President Barack Obama's desk last week, thanks in part to a Columbia University sophomore.
Kristofer Goldsmith, a Bellmore native, helped convince lawmakers that boosting suicide-prevention resources will help potential victims like himself overcome their trauma and lead productive lives.
Eight years ago, Goldsmith, an Army sergeant whose duties once included doing an inventory of the bodies of Iraqi torture victims, became so depressed about being ordered back there that he tried to take his own life.
But after the Senate passed the legislation 99-0 Tuesday after earlier clearing the House, Goldsmith could take pride in the fact that his lobbying was a factor. Obama is expected to sign the bill.
[For more of this story, written by Martin C. Evans, go to http://www.newsday.com/news/na...n-congress-1.9915555]
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