“Today, we honor the memory of a young man who was taken from us too soon,” Donnelly, D-Ind., said in a statement.

“In remembering Jacob, we seek to prevent another service member’s family from experiencing the tragedy of suicide. I have worked alongside Jacob’s parents, Jeff and Barb, for two years now, and their strength continues to inspire my work.”

The new law requires that every member of the military – including active duty, National Guard and reserve soldiers – will receive an annual mental health assessment.

The law also requires an evaluation of prevention and intervention programs to determine what’s working.

The bill passed on Jacob Sexton’s 27th birthday.

“I can’t think of a better birthday present for him or a better Christmas present for all the men and women and their families in the military that suffer every day from PTSD, head injuries, any kind of mental illness,” said his father, Jeff Sexton, in a statement. “And hopefully this may change the stigma and bring out the help that our men and women need.”

The Sextons appeared with Donnelly on Friday (Dec. 19) at the Indiana War Memorial to celebrate the law’s passage.

The measure will also maintain privacy protections for service members to ensure their future in the military is not affected by seeking help.

Specialist Jacob Sexton was a member of the Indiana Nation Guard from Farmland. Sexton was 21 when he killed himself in a Muncie movie theater while home on a 15-day leave.