Boots on the Ground: Legislation in Action
by James Espinoza, Founder of the Veteran Mentor Project
After my brother, Ponce (Pedro) Espinoza, died by suicide in 2018, I met with California Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin to propose the idea of a card or labeling to be added to firearm purchases with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number which at the time was (800) 273-TALK (8255), and is now 988.
We discussed other options and the meeting was hopeful, tearful, and genuine
I’d imagined a card or sticker with this number when my brother reached for the firearm that ultimately ended his life. This did not exist at the time.
Assemblywoman Irwin’s office conducted research and authored CA AB 645 (2019) which required the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number be posted on the walls of every gunshop in California, on packaging, and included in the gun safety exam. (This is the 2019 press release and the 2023 Press Release.)
Eerily, several weeks or months before my brother died, he told me, “You’re gonna tell my story, James.”
Little did I know the depth of what he meant and what he had been going through.
I can look back with a degree of sympathy and forgiveness for his choice to leave this world, but I cannot accept that I could not have done more.
The decision for one to end their life can be a very spontaneous and temporary, overpowering, emotion. I know from speaking with survivors and mental health professionals who have talked to those who survived their attempts.
The biggest irony of his death is that I was going through an intense firearms instructor course a couple of weeks before he died and had sent him photos of my experience. We talked of the struggles in our lives and our desire to win in the end.
All the while, he suffered deeply. To which end, I may never know and to the fault of no one. I believe he sought help but was unsuccessful or undecided on what path to take. It is too complex to comprehend.
After several months of advocacy, including a press conference on September 10, 2019, AB645 was signed into law on October 11, 2019
Legislation in action: Below is a photo of one of those signs in a local gun-store that I frequent.
HR5467 now sits on the floor awaiting action, https://lnkd.in/ge39QYdd, we hope to see it move further.
Looking back, I took my anger and grief and turned it into action. For that, I will always be proud and I will continue to take action from a position of understanding, determination, and compassion.
If you are advocating for a cause. Stay the course.
You never know the impact of your ideas for change.
Although this is not the official name, I like to think of it as “LTC Ponce Espinoza’s” Law or “Ponce’s Law” for short, because he was “Ponce” to us long before West Point ever knew him.
James Espinoza is the Founder of The Veteran Mentor Project. You can get in touch by scrolling to the bottom of the American Freedom Consulting LLC website and using the contact form. Reach out or follow James on LinkedIn to learn how you can make an impact.
- Similar legislation in Seattle, Washington
- I want to take action to support legislation to reduce deaths by suicide with AFSP, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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James Espinoza is a U.S. Army veteran, retired law enforcement leader, and passionate advocate for suicide prevention, trauma recovery, and whole-person wellness. As the President and Co-Founder of The Veteran Mentor Project, Inc., James works tirelessly to guide veterans, first responders, and their families through the challenges of transition and healing. He is a certified Resilience Trainer, Trauma Resilience Coach, and public speaker committed to the message that no one is too broken to be restored.
Thank you for your very meaningful feedback everyone! Stay safe and be well. – James
Thís ís a great cause and idea for prevention
Thank you for commenting Maggie. James will see your comment.
Thank you, Maggie! I appreciate your support, coast to coast!
Having known Mr. James Espinoza for many years, I can tell you that he cares deeply about all those he comes into contact with. His passion to change the World for the better runs deep. This is common sense legislation he and others are advocating for. I value the 2nd Amendment and I value suicide prevention efforts…personally and professionally. This legislation doesn’t erode or infringe on your 2nd Amendment rights. The legislators James has worked with to promote these changes are some of the most reasonable elected officials representing our community. Please do not disregard this legislation as being just another political party stunt. This legislation will affect lives in a positive way. There’s no harm in educating gun owners on some options they have when they are in their darkest moments.
Thank you so much Scott for this comment and the intent behind it which is so genuine and heartfelt. And thank you for supporting the effort and taking the time to comment.
Thank you, Scott! I always appreciate your support, friendship, and advocacy.
What an absolutely simple, though extremely important step in the right direction. I was very taken by the purpose and intent of of H. R. 5467 Gun Suicide Prevention Act.. If someone’s life can be saved by having the National Suicide Prevention Phone number attached to a firearm, then it will invariably support someone who may be simply experiencing a stressful moment.
Data has shown that putting crisis lines does help. I’ve also seen it in my own statistics. Someone looks up a way to die, they land on a page on my site that doesn’t offer directions and then they click the crisis line or some other resource I have listed. This does put time between thought and action and gives the brain time to reset. Thank you for your comment, Heath. Always appreciated.
Absolutely, Heath! If it saves one life, it has worked. Our hope is it saves many!
AnneMoss, thank you again for this most timely resource, as you may know Adam’s Story has launched a new outreach program 2025, to our rural communities, farmers and veterans and their families in and around Kansas City, KS/MO., with your continued support and crucial resources, Adam’s Story will be able to continue with the mission before us. Thank you for all these great resources, all of Kansas City wants us to express our heart felt gratitude for you and your great team.
Thank you for commenting Andy. I also read recently about how telehealth is helpful for suicide prevention which is really good news.
Thank you, Andy. Let’s connect again. It’s been a busy 1Q for me and things are settling as we head into Spring and Summer.