Serving Those Who Have Served Our Nation

Statement

As your U.S. Representative, it is one of my greatest honors to support those who have selflessly put on our nation's uniform and served in defense of our freedoms. As I work in Congress to advance legislation helping those who served, I'm also committed to ensuring Iowa veterans and their families have access to information and resources about benefits, programs and services available to them. I am pleased to announce I will be hosting my 2nd annual Veterans Care Fairs in several weeks, in Polk County on August 30th and Pottawattamie County on September 1st.

The Veterans Care Fairs will be free of charge and open to the public and Iowa veterans, service members, and their families are especially encouraged to attend. Momentum and interest is quickly building, as folks and organizations from across the Third Congressional District are planning to participate. This year we are even offering a workshop featuring expert panelists to provide information to attendees about maximizing veterans' benefits.

Last year, over forty organizations attended the fairs I hosted, and representatives from each organization were on hand to answer questions, provide services and offer resources. This year, we expect even greater participation from federal, state, and local agencies, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and service organizations. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Operation Home Base Iowa, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the American Legion are only a few of the organizations planning to attend.

Additionally, members of my staff will be on hand to remind folks of the constituent services we are able to offer, including help with veterans' benefits, assistance in dealing with federal government agencies, and much more. We've been able to help folks in many different ways, and at last year's fair in Council Bluffs, my office was even able to help a veteran track down the military service medals he had earned but never received. This particular gentleman had told us he had given up hope of ever receiving these medals, but after cutting through the federal bureaucracy, I was able to return them to him earlier this year.

To honor living and deceased Vietnam Era Veterans and their families, at both of the Veterans Care Fairs we will have a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, featuring a presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of our national anthem, and special remarks. Vietnam Veterans, or family members of deceased Vietnam Veterans, are welcome to participate. United States Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time or in any location during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, are eligible to receive the official "Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin" at the ceremony. For additional information about the ceremony or the pin presentation, or to confirm your participation in the ceremony, please contact my Des Moines constituent services office at (515) 282-1909.

Our men and women in uniform sacrifice greatly on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we uphold the promises we have made to them when they return home. And to the Iowa veterans, families, and service members interested in learning more about services and resources available, I hope to see you in Des Moines or Treynor in several weeks!

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