06/09/2026
Supporting H.R. 6022 – GREEN STAR Families of America Act
By John Ring
U.S. Army Veteran | Founder, WalkforVets.org | Former The American Legion Post Commander
My name is John Ring. I am a United States Army veteran, founder of WalkforVets.org, former American Legion Post Commander, and a longtime advocate for veterans and military families.
For years, my mission has centered on supporting veterans facing crisis, raising awareness about the invisible wounds of war, and standing beside military families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Through WalkforVets.org, I have walked thousands of miles across America to bring attention to veteran su***de, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, military sexual trauma, and the many challenges veterans face long after their military service ends.
My advocacy has extended beyond awareness campaigns. I have personally responded alongside law enforcement officers to assist veterans experiencing mental health crises. I have spent countless hours speaking with veterans struggling in silence, helping connect them with resources, and supporting families searching for answers while trying to save the lives of their loved ones. Throughout this journey, I have also had the privilege of supporting Gold Star and Blue Star families, listening to their stories, honoring their sacrifices, and helping ensure their loved ones are never forgotten.
One family that profoundly impacted our organization was that of United States Marine Corps veteran Steven Osborne, who died by su***de on May 10, 2022. WalkforVets.org proudly supported Steven’s family and undertook a mission to carry a United States flag, provided by Flags of Honor Escorts, from Key West, Florida, to San Diego, California, in honor of Steven and for his son, David. That journey represented more than miles walked—it represented a promise that Steven’s life mattered, that his story mattered, and that his family would not walk their path of grief alone.
While I have spent years supporting families who lost loved ones to su***de, the issue became deeply personal for me on January 7, 2026, when my own son, veteran Trey Ring, took his life after years of struggling with the effects of his military service following his deployment to Iraq from 2018 to 2019.
Trey left behind a family who loved him deeply: his mother and father, two sisters, a brother who is currently serving in the military, his fiancée, a beautiful 15-month-old daughter, and two bonus boys who knew him as a father figure. Like so many families across this nation, we were left trying to understand how someone we loved so much could hurt so deeply.
No family should have to endure this pain alone.
That is why I support H.R. 6022, the Green Star Families of America Act.
What has impressed me most about Green Star Families of America is their thoughtful and respectful approach. Rather than rushing to promote themselves or advance an agenda before legislation is enacted, they have focused on the people who matter most—the families. They have allowed the legislative process to work while concentrating on compassion, understanding, and support for those left behind.
Families grieving the loss of a veteran to su***de have already endured unimaginable trauma. The last thing they need is additional confusion, division, or false expectations. Green Star Families of America has demonstrated a commitment to dignity, respect, and service. Their approach recognizes that meaningful support must be built carefully and thoughtfully, creating a foundation that can provide long-term assistance, recognition, and resources for surviving family members.
As both an advocate and now a father who has experienced this devastating loss firsthand, I believe our nation has a responsibility to recognize the families left behind after a veteran su***de. Their sacrifice does not end when the tragedy occurs. They continue carrying that burden every day.
H.R. 6022 represents an opportunity to acknowledge those families, honor their experiences, and build a framework of support that can help them navigate life after loss.
I respectfully urge you and Members of Congress to support the Green Star Families of America Act and stand with the families who continue carrying the weight of veteran su***de long after the headlines fade.
Respectfully,
John Ring
U.S. Army Veteran
Founder, WalkforVets.org
Former American Legion Post Commander
Sign the petition: https://greenstarfamilies.org/support-h-r-6022/
Their stories mattered, their lives mattered, every step mattered. 🇺🇸💚
