Kansas Common Sense
Honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Decades after their service, the Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal this week. This battalion, also known as the “Six Triple Eight,” was the only all-Black, all-female unit in the United States Army to serve overseas during World War II.
This battalion consisted of more than 850 women who worked around the clock in shifts, twenty-four hours, seven days a week, to resolve a three-year blockage of more than 17 million pieces of mail. In 2018, I had the honor of meeting five of the women of the Six Triple Eight at the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. I introduced legislation to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal to further honor these heroes.
As the son of a WWII vet, I deeply appreciate the service of the Six Triple Eight women. I don't know if letters between my parents passed through their hands, but I do know that their work encouraged countless young men like my dad to keep up the fight. After a decades-long wait, the women of the “Six Triple Eight” were awarded with the recognition they rightly deserve.
You can watch my remarks here.
Addressing Near Misses at DCA
Less than a week after the Army resumed helicopter operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), a Blackhawk was involved in two near misses with commercial aircrafts. The tragic accident at DCA in January and the data that has come to light on near-misses at DCA over the last four years overwhelmingly demonstrate that new safety measures must be implemented before military helicopters resume operations near the airport. The Army and FAA need to reevaluate their operations and return to Capitol Hill to explain what needs to be done to make certain the DCA airspace is safe.
You can read more about this incident here at KWCH.
Questioning Deputy Secretary of Commerce Nominee
On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Commerce convened a hearing to consider the nomination of Paul Dabbar, President Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
During the hearing, I questioned Mr. Dabbar on the role of the Department of Commerce in promoting travel and tourism in preparation for upcoming major global sporting events in the U.S., including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which Kansas City will serve as a host city. We also discussed the importance of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service to Kansas farmers who rely on weather forecasts for their livelihoods. Finally, I questioned Mr. Dabbar on his commitment to international agreements governing trade in civil aircraft that support Kansas’ robust aerospace industry and federal programs that support growth in manufacturing in Kansas and elsewhere.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Dabbar to strengthen the Kansas and U.S. economies and to advance America’s global economic competitiveness.
You can watch my questions here.
Advancing the NASA Administrator Nominee
The Senate Committee on Commerce advanced the nomination of Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Administrator of NASA in a bipartisan vote. During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, I questioned Mr. Isaacman on NASA’s plans for the Space Launch System (SLS), parts of which are manufactured in Kansas and the role of the Artemis program in preserving and advancing U.S. leadership in space.
I look forward to his swift confirmation before the full Senate and working with him to advance American leadership in aeronautics and space.
Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
On Tuesday, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on the reauthorization of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention grant program, along with other non-clinical suicide prevention programs for veterans. The goal of the hearing was to focus on what is working well within the program and what elements could be improved upon to best support veterans’ mental health and, ultimately, prevent veteran suicide. The witnesses on both panels consisted of staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs, members of veteran-serving community organizations and veterans themselves who have used the grant program.
As suicide rates among veterans continue to rise, it is critical that this committee and the VA work to find the best tools and services for veterans to address their mental health needs. I recently introduced the Helping Optimize Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) for Heroes Act of 2025 which would expand the VA’s ability to collaborate with community organizations and providers to make certain more veterans are able to receive treatment and mental health services. As Chairman of the committee, it is my belief that meeting veterans where they are, whether in the community or at the VA, gives more veterans access to the mental health resources they need and help prevent veteran suicide.
You can learn more about the HOPE For Heroes Act here. You can watch my opening remarks here.
Advocating for Continued Biomedical Research
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Appropriations held its first full committee hearing of the year on the subject of biomedical research. The committee heard from witnesses across the field of biomedical research, from scientists to patient advocates. Federal investment in biomedical research works to improve health outcomes, boost local economies and serve as the foundation for medical discoveries and breakthroughs. The National Institutes of Health also supported nearly $400 million in economic activity in the state of Kansas last year. I remain committed to advancing medical research through my role as a Senate Senior Appropriator.
You can watch my remarks here.
Year-Round Sale of E15 Gasoline
In April, I urged the administration to again permit the nationwide, year-round sale of E15 fuel. President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin took swift action and granted the request last week. The availability of E15 provides consumers more options at the pump, expands market access for Kansas farmers and bolsters American energy independence. I will continue to work to make E15 available year-round through the passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act.
Recognizing Renewable Fuels Month
I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution designating May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month. Promoting the use of renewable fuels means more jobs and markets in Kansas while lowering prices at the pump and bolstering America’s energy independence. I’m committed to growing the production and use of biofuels, and this resolution helps recognize the vital part they play in the energy and fuel sectors.
Touring Sikorsky Manufacturing Facility
On my way back to Washington, I visited Sikorsky’s manufacturing facility in Stratford, Connecticut. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin that produces and maintains Department of Defense aircraft, including the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita works with Sikorsky on production of the cabin piece of the CH-53K, the largest single part of the aircraft. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I will continue to support America’s defense industrial base. Companies like Sikorsky and Spirit provide our service men and women with the most lethal and modernized equipment necessary to face the everchanging battlefield of today to keep our nation safe.
Meeting with Kansans
Fort Hays State University
On Wednesday, I met with Fort Hays State University’s president, Dr. Tisa Mason, to discuss updates at the university and education in the state of Kansas. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from President Mason and FHSU faculty regarding the ways Congress can best support colleges, students and teachers. We must continue working to curb the rising costs of higher education and provide students from all backgrounds the opportunity to obtain a college degree.
Kansas Community Pharmacists Association
On Thursday, I met with the Kansas Community Pharmacists Association. Independent and community pharmacies play a crucial role in our country’s health care delivery system. We spoke about the urgent need for pharmaceutical benefit manager (PBM) reform at the national level to put an end to the unfair and deceptive practices that are hurting our pharmacies. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to push for meaningful PBM reform.
Kansas Rural Broadband Providers
On Tuesday, I met with representatives from several rural broadband providers from across the state of Kansas on behalf of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA). During our meeting, we discussed challenges facing rural broadband providers and federal efforts to support broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas. We also discussed the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, which I introduced to make certain that broadband providers can invest federal broadband dollars in broadband deployment, rather than sending that money back to the federal government in the form of taxes. Thank you to the Kansans who met with me for their time, insights and for the important work they do to preserve and expand Kansans’ internet access.
Visits Across Kansas
Council Grove
This week, I visited Council Grove to discuss with local stakeholders the impact staffing issues at Council Grove Lake could have on the local economy. Council Grove Lake draws hundreds of visitors every summer to Council Grove to enjoy recreational activities at the lake and the surrounding area. Local businesses rely on visitors and campers coming to the lake and purchasing goods and services to survive. Staffing issues at the lake are threatening a partial closure of some of the lake’s 222 camping spots during the peak summer season.
While in Council Grove, I visited with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) staff to learn how I can best assist with this issue, and I heard directly from local business owners how important visitors to lake are to their businesses. My office is actively engaging with the USACE leadership and the Department of Defense to work towards a resolution to the staffing crisis at Council Grove Lake. Thank you to the USACE staff and local stakeholders for taking time out of their day to visit with me and share how this issue matters to them.
You can read more about my visit here.
Herington High School
While in Council Grove, I visited Herington High School and heard from students about their studies, career ambitions and how HHS is helping them prepare for the future. Thank you to Principal Mark Paul and the student leaders who gave me the tour.
Congratulations to KU’s Jared Casey
Congratulations to Plainville native and KU football tight end and fullback, Jared Casey, on signing into a rookie minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs. He now has a chance to secure a spot on the team’s roster. You can read more about Jared’s story here.
Recognizing the Spring 2025 Senate Intern and Page Classes
As the Spring 2025 Senate intern and page classes in both my Washington, D.C. and state offices come to an end, I would like to thank interns Camille, Madison, Sam, Camden and Eva and Kansas Page, Max, for their hard work and dedication to serving the people of Kansas. I wish you all the best in your future schooling and careers.
Recognizing Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month. To the servicemembers in Kansas, across the United States, abroad and deployed – thank you for your service. America would not be a free nation without your courageous sacrifices. God bless our military servicemembers.
Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, October 4, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Capitol Tours
Coni Adams of Wellington
Lorie Blevins of Basehor
Mike Brewer of Ulysses
Lindsay Campbell of Garden City
Stephen Carttar of Lawrence
Cindy Carttar of Lawrence
Peter Carttar of Lawrence
Rosalea Carttar of Lawrence
Carol Dorr of Burlingame
Jennifer Dreher of Hays
Stacy Edmundson of Andover
David Fink of Fredonia
Deanna Fink of Fredonia
John George of Lebanon
Paul Kitzke of Hugoton
Sarah Kitzke of Hugoton
Ellie Kitzke of Hugoton
Leo Kitzke of Hugoton
Gia Kitzke of Hugoton
Eric Lau of Prairie Village
Lindsay Lau of Prairie Village
Connor Lau of Prairie Village
Keith Leddy of Conway Springs
David Light of Rolla
Renee Light of Rolla
James McMullin of Wellington
Pat Morse of Dodge City
Tiffany Overlease of Ness City
Chris Parr of McLouth
Jessica Peterson of Overland Park
Cole Peterson of Overland Park
Adelynn Peterson of Overland Park
Mark Scheibe of Girard
John Schon of Argonia
Clinton Shockley of Wichita
Brandi Shockley of Wichita
Koby Slaven of Overland Park
Sarah Slaven of Overland Park
Patricia Smithson of Lenexa
Elizabeth Smoller of Manhattan
Brady Smoller of Manhattan
Brenna Smoller of Manhattan
Thad Snider of Lenexa
Mary Snider of Wichita
August Stueve of Ottawa
Sarah Stueve of Ottawa
Gus Stueve of Ottawa
Lloyd Stuteville of Louisburg
Jo Erin Stuteville of Louisburg
Afton Stuteville of Louisburg
Dennis Svanes of Burlington
Lee Tafanelli of Ozawkie
Aimee Williams of Louisburg
Tristan Willaims of Louisburg
Regan Williams of Louisburg
Advocacy Summit
Audrey Branum of Independence
Peggy Johnson of Wichita
Michael Steiner of Overland Park
Gayle Thomas of Wichita
American Clean Power
Matt Peters of Goddard
Marty Sneath of Salina
Shanelle Wilson of Oxford
American College of Emergency Physicians
Bryn Dekosky of Overland Park
Trevor Mattox of Wichita
American College of Physicians Services
Rebecca Opole of Leawood
Benjamin Quick of Leawood
Ky Stoltzfus of Kansas City
Donna Sweet of Wichita
American Golf Industry Coalition
Claudia Alterman of Merriam
Jeff Eldridge of Overland Park
Leah Hallstrom of McLouth
Chava McKeel of Lawrence
Elliot Rausch of Lawrence
Tyler Stover of Eudora
Kevin Sunderman of Olathe
Jeff White of Olathe
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Dinah Davison of Westmoreland
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
Jessica Farmer of Kansas City
Melissa Liddle of Prairie Village
Big “I” Conference
Jordon Crow of Johnson County
Brock Elliott of Louisburg
Rick Elliott of Louisburg
Dave Hulcher of Lawrence
Haley Marsicek of Junction City
Robert Richey of Wichita
Beth Smoller of Wamego
Brayn Schmitz of Seneca
Jo Erin Stutevile of Spring Hill
Dave Vogel of Hutchinson
Children’s Health Advocacy
Amber Jewell of LeRoy
City of Leavenworth
Scott Peterson of Leavenworth
Holly Pittman of Leavenworth
College of American Pathologists
Jessica Kozel of Leawood
Connected Commerce Council
Melanie Bolin of Lenexa
Fort Hays State University
Tisa Mason of Hays
Joe Bain of Hays
Goodwill Industries
Rikki Cafferty of Wichita
Laura Ritterbush of Wichita
Chris Stanyer of Wichita
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Rebecca Jordon of Sedgwick
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 70
Teressa Peart of Wichita
Kansas Electric Cooperative
Carol Dorr of Burlingame
Last Prisoner Project
Deshaun Durham of Manhattan
National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
Moniqueka Holloway of Wichita
National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies
Tracey Breford of Leawood
National Community Pharmacists Association
Brian Caswell of Baxter Springs
Dared Price of Winfield
Michael Burns of Garnett
Renee Price of Winfield
Tyler Woods of Kansas City
David McNeal of Topeka
Matt Hayden of Topeka
Nathan Wiehl of Garnett
Van Coble of El Dorado
Allison Creek of Lawrence
Morgan Dolton of Goddard
Bekah Harper of Lawrence
Keely Means of Lenexa
Steven Nguyen of Lawrence
Amanda Applegate of Topeka
National Down Syndrome Society
Sarah Mai of Mission
Meggan Seawel of Mission
National Limousine Association
James Blain of Kansas City
National Nurses United
Carly Barker of Johnson County
Raegan Boken of Wichita
Steven Holmberg of Wichita
Janice Rider of Johnson County
Rural Broadband Association
Benjamin Foster of Miltonvale
Todd Houseman of Dodge City
Jill Kuehny of Caldwell
Catherine Moyer of Ulysses
Beau Rebel of Rush Center
Jason Smith of Everest
National Federation of Federal Employees Local 1765
Tyler Meyer of Leavenworth
Decades after their service, the Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal this week. This battalion, also known as the “Six Triple Eight,” was the only all-Black, all-female unit in the United States Army to serve overseas during World War II.
This battalion consisted of more than 850 women who worked around the clock in shifts, twenty-four hours, seven days a week, to resolve a three-year blockage of more than 17 million pieces of mail. In 2018, I had the honor of meeting five of the women of the Six Triple Eight at the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. I introduced legislation to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal to further honor these heroes.
As the son of a WWII vet, I deeply appreciate the service of the Six Triple Eight women. I don't know if letters between my parents passed through their hands, but I do know that their work encouraged countless young men like my dad to keep up the fight. After a decades-long wait, the women of the “Six Triple Eight” were awarded with the recognition they rightly deserve.
You can watch my remarks here.
Addressing Near Misses at DCA
Less than a week after the Army resumed helicopter operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), a Blackhawk was involved in two near misses with commercial aircrafts. The tragic accident at DCA in January and the data that has come to light on near-misses at DCA over the last four years overwhelmingly demonstrate that new safety measures must be implemented before military helicopters resume operations near the airport. The Army and FAA need to reevaluate their operations and return to Capitol Hill to explain what needs to be done to make certain the DCA airspace is safe.
You can read more about this incident here at KWCH.
Questioning Deputy Secretary of Commerce Nominee
On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Commerce convened a hearing to consider the nomination of Paul Dabbar, President Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
During the hearing, I questioned Mr. Dabbar on the role of the Department of Commerce in promoting travel and tourism in preparation for upcoming major global sporting events in the U.S., including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which Kansas City will serve as a host city. We also discussed the importance of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service to Kansas farmers who rely on weather forecasts for their livelihoods. Finally, I questioned Mr. Dabbar on his commitment to international agreements governing trade in civil aircraft that support Kansas’ robust aerospace industry and federal programs that support growth in manufacturing in Kansas and elsewhere.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Dabbar to strengthen the Kansas and U.S. economies and to advance America’s global economic competitiveness.
You can watch my questions here.
Advancing the NASA Administrator Nominee
The Senate Committee on Commerce advanced the nomination of Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Administrator of NASA in a bipartisan vote. During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, I questioned Mr. Isaacman on NASA’s plans for the Space Launch System (SLS), parts of which are manufactured in Kansas and the role of the Artemis program in preserving and advancing U.S. leadership in space.
I look forward to his swift confirmation before the full Senate and working with him to advance American leadership in aeronautics and space.
Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
On Tuesday, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on the reauthorization of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention grant program, along with other non-clinical suicide prevention programs for veterans. The goal of the hearing was to focus on what is working well within the program and what elements could be improved upon to best support veterans’ mental health and, ultimately, prevent veteran suicide. The witnesses on both panels consisted of staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs, members of veteran-serving community organizations and veterans themselves who have used the grant program.
As suicide rates among veterans continue to rise, it is critical that this committee and the VA work to find the best tools and services for veterans to address their mental health needs. I recently introduced the Helping Optimize Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) for Heroes Act of 2025 which would expand the VA’s ability to collaborate with community organizations and providers to make certain more veterans are able to receive treatment and mental health services. As Chairman of the committee, it is my belief that meeting veterans where they are, whether in the community or at the VA, gives more veterans access to the mental health resources they need and help prevent veteran suicide.
You can learn more about the HOPE For Heroes Act here. You can watch my opening remarks here.
Advocating for Continued Biomedical Research
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Appropriations held its first full committee hearing of the year on the subject of biomedical research. The committee heard from witnesses across the field of biomedical research, from scientists to patient advocates. Federal investment in biomedical research works to improve health outcomes, boost local economies and serve as the foundation for medical discoveries and breakthroughs. The National Institutes of Health also supported nearly $400 million in economic activity in the state of Kansas last year. I remain committed to advancing medical research through my role as a Senate Senior Appropriator.
You can watch my remarks here.
Year-Round Sale of E15 Gasoline
In April, I urged the administration to again permit the nationwide, year-round sale of E15 fuel. President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin took swift action and granted the request last week. The availability of E15 provides consumers more options at the pump, expands market access for Kansas farmers and bolsters American energy independence. I will continue to work to make E15 available year-round through the passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act.
Recognizing Renewable Fuels Month
I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution designating May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month. Promoting the use of renewable fuels means more jobs and markets in Kansas while lowering prices at the pump and bolstering America’s energy independence. I’m committed to growing the production and use of biofuels, and this resolution helps recognize the vital part they play in the energy and fuel sectors.
Touring Sikorsky Manufacturing Facility
On my way back to Washington, I visited Sikorsky’s manufacturing facility in Stratford, Connecticut. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin that produces and maintains Department of Defense aircraft, including the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita works with Sikorsky on production of the cabin piece of the CH-53K, the largest single part of the aircraft. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I will continue to support America’s defense industrial base. Companies like Sikorsky and Spirit provide our service men and women with the most lethal and modernized equipment necessary to face the everchanging battlefield of today to keep our nation safe.
Meeting with Kansans
Fort Hays State University
On Wednesday, I met with Fort Hays State University’s president, Dr. Tisa Mason, to discuss updates at the university and education in the state of Kansas. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from President Mason and FHSU faculty regarding the ways Congress can best support colleges, students and teachers. We must continue working to curb the rising costs of higher education and provide students from all backgrounds the opportunity to obtain a college degree.
Kansas Community Pharmacists Association
On Thursday, I met with the Kansas Community Pharmacists Association. Independent and community pharmacies play a crucial role in our country’s health care delivery system. We spoke about the urgent need for pharmaceutical benefit manager (PBM) reform at the national level to put an end to the unfair and deceptive practices that are hurting our pharmacies. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to push for meaningful PBM reform.
Kansas Rural Broadband Providers
On Tuesday, I met with representatives from several rural broadband providers from across the state of Kansas on behalf of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA). During our meeting, we discussed challenges facing rural broadband providers and federal efforts to support broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas. We also discussed the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, which I introduced to make certain that broadband providers can invest federal broadband dollars in broadband deployment, rather than sending that money back to the federal government in the form of taxes. Thank you to the Kansans who met with me for their time, insights and for the important work they do to preserve and expand Kansans’ internet access.
Visits Across Kansas
Council Grove
This week, I visited Council Grove to discuss with local stakeholders the impact staffing issues at Council Grove Lake could have on the local economy. Council Grove Lake draws hundreds of visitors every summer to Council Grove to enjoy recreational activities at the lake and the surrounding area. Local businesses rely on visitors and campers coming to the lake and purchasing goods and services to survive. Staffing issues at the lake are threatening a partial closure of some of the lake’s 222 camping spots during the peak summer season.
While in Council Grove, I visited with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) staff to learn how I can best assist with this issue, and I heard directly from local business owners how important visitors to lake are to their businesses. My office is actively engaging with the USACE leadership and the Department of Defense to work towards a resolution to the staffing crisis at Council Grove Lake. Thank you to the USACE staff and local stakeholders for taking time out of their day to visit with me and share how this issue matters to them.
You can read more about my visit here.
Herington High School
While in Council Grove, I visited Herington High School and heard from students about their studies, career ambitions and how HHS is helping them prepare for the future. Thank you to Principal Mark Paul and the student leaders who gave me the tour.
Congratulations to KU’s Jared Casey
Congratulations to Plainville native and KU football tight end and fullback, Jared Casey, on signing into a rookie minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs. He now has a chance to secure a spot on the team’s roster. You can read more about Jared’s story here.
Recognizing the Spring 2025 Senate Intern and Page Classes
As the Spring 2025 Senate intern and page classes in both my Washington, D.C. and state offices come to an end, I would like to thank interns Camille, Madison, Sam, Camden and Eva and Kansas Page, Max, for their hard work and dedication to serving the people of Kansas. I wish you all the best in your future schooling and careers.
Recognizing Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month. To the servicemembers in Kansas, across the United States, abroad and deployed – thank you for your service. America would not be a free nation without your courageous sacrifices. God bless our military servicemembers.
Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, October 4, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Capitol Tours
Coni Adams of Wellington
Lorie Blevins of Basehor
Mike Brewer of Ulysses
Lindsay Campbell of Garden City
Stephen Carttar of Lawrence
Cindy Carttar of Lawrence
Peter Carttar of Lawrence
Rosalea Carttar of Lawrence
Carol Dorr of Burlingame
Jennifer Dreher of Hays
Stacy Edmundson of Andover
David Fink of Fredonia
Deanna Fink of Fredonia
John George of Lebanon
Paul Kitzke of Hugoton
Sarah Kitzke of Hugoton
Ellie Kitzke of Hugoton
Leo Kitzke of Hugoton
Gia Kitzke of Hugoton
Eric Lau of Prairie Village
Lindsay Lau of Prairie Village
Connor Lau of Prairie Village
Keith Leddy of Conway Springs
David Light of Rolla
Renee Light of Rolla
James McMullin of Wellington
Pat Morse of Dodge City
Tiffany Overlease of Ness City
Chris Parr of McLouth
Jessica Peterson of Overland Park
Cole Peterson of Overland Park
Adelynn Peterson of Overland Park
Mark Scheibe of Girard
John Schon of Argonia
Clinton Shockley of Wichita
Brandi Shockley of Wichita
Koby Slaven of Overland Park
Sarah Slaven of Overland Park
Patricia Smithson of Lenexa
Elizabeth Smoller of Manhattan
Brady Smoller of Manhattan
Brenna Smoller of Manhattan
Thad Snider of Lenexa
Mary Snider of Wichita
August Stueve of Ottawa
Sarah Stueve of Ottawa
Gus Stueve of Ottawa
Lloyd Stuteville of Louisburg
Jo Erin Stuteville of Louisburg
Afton Stuteville of Louisburg
Dennis Svanes of Burlington
Lee Tafanelli of Ozawkie
Aimee Williams of Louisburg
Tristan Willaims of Louisburg
Regan Williams of Louisburg
Advocacy Summit
Audrey Branum of Independence
Peggy Johnson of Wichita
Michael Steiner of Overland Park
Gayle Thomas of Wichita
American Clean Power
Matt Peters of Goddard
Marty Sneath of Salina
Shanelle Wilson of Oxford
American College of Emergency Physicians
Bryn Dekosky of Overland Park
Trevor Mattox of Wichita
American College of Physicians Services
Rebecca Opole of Leawood
Benjamin Quick of Leawood
Ky Stoltzfus of Kansas City
Donna Sweet of Wichita
American Golf Industry Coalition
Claudia Alterman of Merriam
Jeff Eldridge of Overland Park
Leah Hallstrom of McLouth
Chava McKeel of Lawrence
Elliot Rausch of Lawrence
Tyler Stover of Eudora
Kevin Sunderman of Olathe
Jeff White of Olathe
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Dinah Davison of Westmoreland
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
Jessica Farmer of Kansas City
Melissa Liddle of Prairie Village
Big “I” Conference
Jordon Crow of Johnson County
Brock Elliott of Louisburg
Rick Elliott of Louisburg
Dave Hulcher of Lawrence
Haley Marsicek of Junction City
Robert Richey of Wichita
Beth Smoller of Wamego
Brayn Schmitz of Seneca
Jo Erin Stutevile of Spring Hill
Dave Vogel of Hutchinson
Children’s Health Advocacy
Amber Jewell of LeRoy
City of Leavenworth
Scott Peterson of Leavenworth
Holly Pittman of Leavenworth
College of American Pathologists
Jessica Kozel of Leawood
Connected Commerce Council
Melanie Bolin of Lenexa
Fort Hays State University
Tisa Mason of Hays
Joe Bain of Hays
Goodwill Industries
Rikki Cafferty of Wichita
Laura Ritterbush of Wichita
Chris Stanyer of Wichita
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Rebecca Jordon of Sedgwick
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 70
Teressa Peart of Wichita
Kansas Electric Cooperative
Carol Dorr of Burlingame
Last Prisoner Project
Deshaun Durham of Manhattan
National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
Moniqueka Holloway of Wichita
National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies
Tracey Breford of Leawood
National Community Pharmacists Association
Brian Caswell of Baxter Springs
Dared Price of Winfield
Michael Burns of Garnett
Renee Price of Winfield
Tyler Woods of Kansas City
David McNeal of Topeka
Matt Hayden of Topeka
Nathan Wiehl of Garnett
Van Coble of El Dorado
Allison Creek of Lawrence
Morgan Dolton of Goddard
Bekah Harper of Lawrence
Keely Means of Lenexa
Steven Nguyen of Lawrence
Amanda Applegate of Topeka
National Down Syndrome Society
Sarah Mai of Mission
Meggan Seawel of Mission
National Limousine Association
James Blain of Kansas City
National Nurses United
Carly Barker of Johnson County
Raegan Boken of Wichita
Steven Holmberg of Wichita
Janice Rider of Johnson County
Rural Broadband Association
Benjamin Foster of Miltonvale
Todd Houseman of Dodge City
Jill Kuehny of Caldwell
Catherine Moyer of Ulysses
Beau Rebel of Rush Center
Jason Smith of Everest
National Federation of Federal Employees Local 1765
Tyler Meyer of Leavenworth
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