Obama Honors NAMI's Matt Kuntz in Whistle Stop Tour to Inauguration; Veterans & PTSD

Obama Honors NAMI's Matt Kuntz in Whistle Stop Tour to Inauguration; Veterans
& PTSD

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) is honored this week by President-elect Barack Obama's
selection of NAMI Montana executive director, Matt Kuntz, to accompany him on
his whistle stop tour between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. en route to
Obama's inauguration.

Kuntz is one of 18 people being recognized as everyday Americans who have made
"extraordinary contributions" to national life. He is a former attorney and
West Point Army officer who, after meeting with then-candidate Obama in August
2008, became NAMI Montana's executive director.

Kuntz's stepbrother, Chris Dana, returned home from Iraq, and while suffering
from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), died from suicide. Kuntz
subsequently led the effort in Montana that resulted in a program to check
members of the state National Guard for signs of PTSD every six months for the
first two years after return from combat, and then once a year thereafter.

After meeting with Kuntz and other veterans, Obama pledged to expand the
program nationwide.

"Matt is a highly-regarded advocate," said NAMI national executive director,
Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "This is a great honor for him and his family, NAMI
Montana, and all of NAMI's extended family."

"It also is a clear signal that the President-elect is aware and interested in
helping individuals and families who live with mental illnesses," Fitzpatrick
said.

During the presidential campaign, Obama answered in detail 24 questions that
NAMI submitted to all candidates.

"I'm really touched and honored that President-elect Obama remembered our
efforts to care for our injured service members and their families," said
Kuntz. "This recognition is a major testament to all of the Montanans that
demanded better care for our heroes and to our governor and the National Guard
leadership that have carried out that mandate."

"We are extremely proud that Matt has been selected to be a part of the
President-elect's inauguration events and ceremony," said NAMI Montana's
president, Dr. Gary Mihelish. "Matt's passion, dedication and tenacity to
advocate for veterans' suffering from PTSD and individuals suffering from
severe mental illnesses has been demonstrated throughout the state of Montana
the last two years. We are extremely proud that his efforts have now been
recognized at the national level."

Mental Illness Facts www.nami.org/facts

PTSD Brochure www.nami.org/ptsd

Presidential Questionnaire www.nami.org/election2008/candidates

SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness

Christine Armstrong of the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
+1-703-312-7893, christinea@nami.org