Kansas Common Sense
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them. I return to the nation’s capital this week after the Election Day recess. During my time in Kansas, I visited many communities and met with hundreds of Kansans. Below is a photo of pins representing places I have visited since the beginning of the year, as well as the odometer on my Ford F-150 to prove it.
Showing Our Love of Country This Veterans Day
My father served in the Second World War. He was on the ground in northern Africa and Italy. He lived during a time when the threat of war engulfed every major nation and when the call to serve weighed heavily on the mind of every American. I saw firsthand how my father’s service shaped his life, my mother’s life and my own. But his example is just one – millions served before him and millions have served since. Our nation’s veterans represent the very best values of our country: courage, sacrifice, hard work and a willingness to put others first. Veterans deserve to know how much we respect them, and on Veterans Day, we have a special opportunity to remind them. We can show our love of country not only through sharing our thanks, but also by offering jobs and career opportunities, support during their transition from service and supporting veteran-owned and operated businesses. Click here to read my op-ed in the Military Times about how we can show true gratitude for those who have served.
A New Congress
After Tuesday’s elections, it’s clear that Washington, D.C., will look different come January. For the first time in eight years, Republicans will be in the White House and have majorities in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. I look at elections like the beginning of a new year, with hope and resolution.
The challenges America faces are significant, and the consequences of failing to address them are profound. This new Congress has an opportunity to move the country in a positive direction and approach the difficult decisions ahead with the well-being of all Americans in mind. I’m thankful for the opportunity to participate and to represent Kansans in the Senate. I spoke with Cathy Dawes at 1350 KMAN in Manhattan this week about my hopes for the coming Congress. Click here to listen to the full interview.
Virtual Training at Fort Leavenworth
I visited Fort Leavenworth and the National Simulation Center on Tuesday to receive a hands-on demonstration of the new technology that they are utilizing at the base. These technologies are an important asset to military training, and I am pleased that this work is being carried out at Fort Leavenworth. While I was on post I also had to opportunity to visit with Jacob Bohnemann who I gave my principal nomination to the United States Military Academy. Helping young Kansans realize their dream of serving their country is a significant privilege, and I was honored to visit with Jacob, his mother and his father who is an Army Colonel serving on Fort Leavenworth.
Speaking with the Eudora Lions Club
I stopped by the Eudora Community Building Monday evening to attend the Eudora Lions Club, which has served area residents since it was established in 1951. We spoke about federal issues impacting Kansans and the club’s efforts to make a difference in their community. I also got to chat with Sherry and Tom Moran with whom I’m pictured below. They joked that I might be their long-lost uncle. Wonder why they didn't figure I was their nephew instead!
Making a Toast to Greg and Deanna Graves
I joined Kansas City-residents Friday night to show my appreciation to two individuals who have prioritized giving back to their community and making a positive difference in our state. In addition to their philanthropic commitments, Greg has worked at Burns & McDonnell for more than 35 years. He has led the 5,300-person engineering, architecture and consulting firm as its CEO for the past almost nine years. Among the initiatives the Graves have lent themselves to are supporting our wounded veterans and promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Thank you to Greg and Deanna for your immense generosity and hard work to make Kansas City and our state a better place.
Joining Troop 74 for Pancakes
I enjoyed visiting with Scoutmaster Paul McAnerney and the scouts of Troop 74 at their annual pancake feed on Saturday in Manhattan. Good conversations for an hour and a half, not to mention delicious pancakes and sausage!
Kansans in the Office
Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
Beth Uhler of Wichita
Scott Knapp of Wichita
Shawn Nguyen of Wichita
Capitol Tour
Matthew Johnson of Basehor
Melissa Johnson of Basehor
Janell Johnson of Basehor
Carter Johnson of Basehor
Samuel Johnson of Basehor
Gregory Swart of Lawrence
Mikayla Swart of Lawrence
Sierra Swart of Lawrence
Riley Swart of Lawrence
Hayley Swart of Lawrence
Jeffery Hatfield of DeSoto
Chelsey Hatfield of DeSoto
Morgan Read of Rossville
Randy Read of Rossville
Shana Read of Rossville
Jordan Holsteen of Wichita
Phil Walters of McPherson
Katie Walters of McPherson
Garrett Lister of Manhattan
Alyson Lister of Manhattan
Jim Cook of Prairie Village
Kathleen Cook of Prairie Village
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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