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LULAC CELEBRATES BRANDON CASERTA FOUNDATION ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE BIRTHDAY OF ITS NAMESAKE

Photo Credit: COURTESY TERI CASERTA

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Brandon Caserta's Passing Has Been Turned Into Triumph

May 25, 2023
For more information, contact David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) joins Patrick and Teri Caserta in marking what would have been Brandon Caserta's 26th birthday. The bittersweet observance is significant because 2023 finally saw the official rollout of the Brandon Act by the U.S. Department of Defense. Brandon Caserta, Petty Officer 3rd Class, was assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 in Norfolk, Virginia, and tragically died by suicide in June 2018 after enduring chronic bullying, harassment, and assaults ignored by toxic commands.

Domingo Garcia – LULAC National President
"The Brandon Act empowers military personnel in a mental crisis to seek medical assistance without prior approval from their command. Furthermore, this legislation ensures that service members will no longer have to fear retaliation for seeking help, eliminating one of the significant barriers that prevent individuals from reaching out for necessary support. LULAC remains steadfast in championing the needs of our active service members and veterans. We will continue to honor their loyal service in defense of our nation and strive to provide them with the resources and support necessary to thrive beyond their military service."

Teri Caserta, president of the Brandon Caserta Foundation and Co-Author of the Brandon Act
"Today, Brandon would be 26 years old; instead, he is forever 21. As I sit here reflecting on the 21 years, he had blessed our little family, I also reflect on our accomplishments in his honor since his death. Brandon has been gone for nearly five years, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. Brandon did not die in vain. Patrick and I made sure of that. His legacy will live on for decades of saving military lives with The Brandon Act. On May 5, 2023, the Department of Defense finally signed and implemented The Brandon Act. Brandon was our biggest accomplishment, and The Brandon Act is right behind him. All Brandon wanted to do was save lives, and he sacrificed himself to do that. We know he is proud of us for accomplishing his last wishes.

Brandon was a beautiful soul. He was kind, he was patient, and he treated everyone with respect. Brandon lived by his karate code words: Honor, Respect, Patience, and Kindness. We all need to do the same. Let's all follow in Brandon's footsteps. The world would be in a better place. Happy birthday, Brandon! We all miss you and love you! We are so proud of you; you are a true hero! As Memorial Day approaches, we will honor you and all of our fallen service members and veterans. Patrick and I want to thank our entire LULAC family, especially the LULAC Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee for your help and support. We appreciate you all so much."

Patrick Caserta, Co-Author of the Brandon Act and LULAC President, Brandon Caserta Council
"Brandon was my son, best friend, and fellow veteran. Brandon had a smile that made you want to smile. He is smiling down at all of us about the implementation of the Brandon Act. He is a true hero, and his legacy of saving service members' lives will live on. Happy heavenly birthday, son. Your parents are very proud of you, always have been, and always will be. Join us in saving our service members' lives. Failure is not an option when it comes to saving lives. Brandon's article is featured in People Magazine at your local newsstands this Friday."

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About LULAC

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/