Rep. Jodey Arrington Passes Amendment Honoring Lubbock Native Caleb Smither, Enhancing Safety Protocols in Military

House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) celebrated the House passage of the National Defense Appropriations Act, which included his amendment establishing mandatory wellness checks for service members injured, ill, or on sick call. The amendment, known as the Smitty Check Act, is a tribute to Private Caleb Smither of Lubbock, who died on active duty due to preventable circumstances. The act aims to ensure no soldier is left unaccounted for and that the promise to "leave no man behind" is honored.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Defense Appropriations Act includes an amendment sponsored by Rep. Jodey Arrington, requiring the Department of Defense to conduct wellness checks for service members injured, ill, or on sick call.
• The amendment, known as the Smitty Check Act, was passed in honor of Private Caleb Smither, a 19-year-old Lubbock native who died on active duty.
• The Smitty Check Act requires the DoD to implement wellness checks, which will be named after Caleb Smither.
• The act also includes a vignette of Caleb's story in the training documents related to welfare and accountability of soldiers.
• Rep. Jodey Arrington successfully passed an amendment to enforce "Smitty Checks" in the Army last year.
• The amendment aims to strengthen accountability and prevent similar heartbreak for other families.
• Rep. Arrington's amendment honors Caleb Smither's legacy and ensures that his sacrifice is not in vain.

Statistics:

• 19: The age at which Private Caleb Smither died on active duty.
• 1: The number of year Rep. Jodey Arrington took to pass an amendment to enforce "Smitty Checks" in the Army.
• 100%: The poster's belief that no soldier should be left unaccounted for.
• 1: The number of soldier who will be affected by the new protocol.

Sources:

• Rep. Jodey Arrington, House Budget Chairman (TX-19) - official press release.