Kansas Common Sense
Hosting Army Leadership in Kansas
Feb 20 2024
Hosting Army Leadership in Kansas
On Thursday, I hosted senior leaders from U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and Army Futures Command in Salina to discuss opportunities for Kansas industries to support Army aviation priorities. I appreciate the conversations with Army senior leaders that had dozens of Kansans who attended to identify more ways to support the Army’s mission.
Salina Roundtable
Our first engagement was hosted by Tim Rogers at the Salina Regional Airport. This meeting was also attended by Kansas State-Salina representatives and Pure Imagination Studios who discussed the state government and industry's ongoing investment in Salina's commercial and defense aviation capabilities. The group also highlighted Salina's ongoing support to the military – serving as a deployment platform for the First Infantry Division and its ongoing partnership with the Kansas National Guard.
Wichita Luncheon
Later that day, I hosted Army leadership for a luncheon with local aerospace industry leaders at Wichita State University (WSU). The luncheon aimed to showcase Kansas’ world-class aerospace industry, demonstrating the importance of the local manufacturing base to our national security. Thank you to Wichita State University President Dr. Richard Muma and the National Institute of Aviation Research for hosting this productive event.
I appreciate Army representatives coming to Kansas to see the ongoing and emerging defense capabilities. In particular, I'd like to thank Major General Thomas O'Connor, Commanding General of Army Aviation and Missile Command; Command Sergeant Major Leon Black; Dr. James Kirsch, Director of the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center; Mr. Dan Bailey, Deputy Director of the Future Vertical Life Cross-Functional Team and Brigadier General Michael Venerdi, Kansas National Guard’s Adjutant General, for their time engaging with the Kansas industry. I will continue working with Kansans and the Army to ensure we provide the warfighters with the resources needed to complete their mission.
Super Bowl Parade Shooting
After the Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, shots were fired near Union Station, injuring many individuals and taking the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan. Robba and I are praying for those in recovery and for the Lopez-Galvan family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
This is not a representation of Kansas City and the kind of people that we are. This was the act of criminals, who must be brought to justice. The people that we are – the Kansans, Missourians and Kansas Citians that we are – was represented by the brave law enforcement officers, first responders, medical personnel and others who acted quickly and ran into danger to help and save the lives of their neighbors. Thank you for your service.
My office is in touch with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and we are monitoring the investigation as it continues.
Visiting with Butler County Commissioners
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to catch up with Butler County Administrator Will Johnson and County Administrators Marc Murphy, Kelly Herzet and Darren Jackson. The commissioners were in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 National Association of Counties Legislative Conference. In addition to providing an update on the county, the commissioners discussed ways in which the federal government could better support local efforts, including law enforcement.
Thank you all for taking the time to meet with me and for all the work you do in Butler County.
Groundbreaking Expansion at Newton Medical Center
On Thursday, I was in Newton to speak at the groundbreaking for an expanded Emergency Department at Newton Medical Center. NMC Health and its leadership identified the need to expand their emergency department capabilities to better serve a growing number of emergency, medical and behavioral health patients. The expansion will also include upgraded decontamination capabilities, transportation and manufacturing workers as well as first responders in case of a chemical accident.
Thank you to NMC Health CEO Val Gleason and Board of Directors Chair Chris Conrade for their leadership throughout this process and to the entire staff for their dedicated service. Thank you also to Newton Mayor Rod Kreie and Harvey County Commission Chair Becky Reimer for their participation and the important role their city and county plays in supporting NMC Health.
Visits Across Kansas
Forsyth Library
This week, I had the opportunity to tour Forsyth Library on the campus of Fort Hays State University (FHSU). During my tour, Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams and Forsyth Library Director of Development Mary Hammond discussed the changes planned for the library in response to input provided by students, faculty and staff. I also appreciated learning how the renovations will update spaces for the Institute for New Media Studies, MakerSpace, the Honors College and the Writing Center within the library.
Thank you to Ginger and Mary for the insightful tour. I look forward to seeing these changes begin to take shape.
Plainville High School
On Wednesday, I visited Plainville High School to meet with faculty, staff and students. As we toured the school, I learned about the various vocational interests of students and the academic and extracurricular activities Plainville has to offer.
Thank you to Sara Whitney, Kaydence Grebowiec, Abby Molina, Marlie Dobson and Bryan Garvert for being my student guides and to government teacher Mr. Dixon for joining us on the tour.
Boy Scout Troop #53 Chili Feed
This weekend, I joined Boy Scout Troop 53 at their Chili Feed in Lawrence. Thank you to the troops and parents for putting this event together and letting me stop by.
K-State Rodeo
On Sunday, I went to the final K-State Rodeo at Weber Arena. The event showed appreciation for those at Fort Riley with their "Red, White and Blue" day. It was great to see support for our local troops and watch the events throughout the afternoon. Thank you to the K-State Rodeo Club for putting on this amazing event for the past 77 years.
Clifton-Clyde High School
On Monday, I visited with students and faculty from Clifton-Clyde High School. It was great to learn what the school has to offer students with various interests both academically and through extracurriculars. Thank you to students Skylar Kahrs, Weston Girard, Jack Skocny, Calyn Baker and Cohen Girard for showing me around and taking the time to meet with me.
Republic County High School
Later on Monday, I visited Republic County High School and met with students, faculty and staff to learn more about the school. I want to thank students Benedict Baxa, Avery Stindt, Olivia Strnad and superintendent Tami Knedler for hosting me on my visit to Buffalo Country.
Celebrating President’s Day
Yesterday, we recognized the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s presidents. Kansas’ own President Eisenhower left a lasting legacy for all Americans both as President of the United States and leading our troops during WWII as a five-star general in the United States Army and the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.
If you are able, I encourage you to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene that honors a great Kansan and our 34th President.
On Thursday, I hosted senior leaders from U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and Army Futures Command in Salina to discuss opportunities for Kansas industries to support Army aviation priorities. I appreciate the conversations with Army senior leaders that had dozens of Kansans who attended to identify more ways to support the Army’s mission.
Salina Roundtable
Our first engagement was hosted by Tim Rogers at the Salina Regional Airport. This meeting was also attended by Kansas State-Salina representatives and Pure Imagination Studios who discussed the state government and industry's ongoing investment in Salina's commercial and defense aviation capabilities. The group also highlighted Salina's ongoing support to the military – serving as a deployment platform for the First Infantry Division and its ongoing partnership with the Kansas National Guard.
Wichita Luncheon
Later that day, I hosted Army leadership for a luncheon with local aerospace industry leaders at Wichita State University (WSU). The luncheon aimed to showcase Kansas’ world-class aerospace industry, demonstrating the importance of the local manufacturing base to our national security. Thank you to Wichita State University President Dr. Richard Muma and the National Institute of Aviation Research for hosting this productive event.
I appreciate Army representatives coming to Kansas to see the ongoing and emerging defense capabilities. In particular, I'd like to thank Major General Thomas O'Connor, Commanding General of Army Aviation and Missile Command; Command Sergeant Major Leon Black; Dr. James Kirsch, Director of the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center; Mr. Dan Bailey, Deputy Director of the Future Vertical Life Cross-Functional Team and Brigadier General Michael Venerdi, Kansas National Guard’s Adjutant General, for their time engaging with the Kansas industry. I will continue working with Kansans and the Army to ensure we provide the warfighters with the resources needed to complete their mission.
Super Bowl Parade Shooting
After the Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, shots were fired near Union Station, injuring many individuals and taking the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan. Robba and I are praying for those in recovery and for the Lopez-Galvan family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
This is not a representation of Kansas City and the kind of people that we are. This was the act of criminals, who must be brought to justice. The people that we are – the Kansans, Missourians and Kansas Citians that we are – was represented by the brave law enforcement officers, first responders, medical personnel and others who acted quickly and ran into danger to help and save the lives of their neighbors. Thank you for your service.
My office is in touch with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and we are monitoring the investigation as it continues.
Visiting with Butler County Commissioners
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to catch up with Butler County Administrator Will Johnson and County Administrators Marc Murphy, Kelly Herzet and Darren Jackson. The commissioners were in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 National Association of Counties Legislative Conference. In addition to providing an update on the county, the commissioners discussed ways in which the federal government could better support local efforts, including law enforcement.
Thank you all for taking the time to meet with me and for all the work you do in Butler County.
Groundbreaking Expansion at Newton Medical Center
On Thursday, I was in Newton to speak at the groundbreaking for an expanded Emergency Department at Newton Medical Center. NMC Health and its leadership identified the need to expand their emergency department capabilities to better serve a growing number of emergency, medical and behavioral health patients. The expansion will also include upgraded decontamination capabilities, transportation and manufacturing workers as well as first responders in case of a chemical accident.
Thank you to NMC Health CEO Val Gleason and Board of Directors Chair Chris Conrade for their leadership throughout this process and to the entire staff for their dedicated service. Thank you also to Newton Mayor Rod Kreie and Harvey County Commission Chair Becky Reimer for their participation and the important role their city and county plays in supporting NMC Health.
Visits Across Kansas
Forsyth Library
This week, I had the opportunity to tour Forsyth Library on the campus of Fort Hays State University (FHSU). During my tour, Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams and Forsyth Library Director of Development Mary Hammond discussed the changes planned for the library in response to input provided by students, faculty and staff. I also appreciated learning how the renovations will update spaces for the Institute for New Media Studies, MakerSpace, the Honors College and the Writing Center within the library.
Thank you to Ginger and Mary for the insightful tour. I look forward to seeing these changes begin to take shape.
Plainville High School
On Wednesday, I visited Plainville High School to meet with faculty, staff and students. As we toured the school, I learned about the various vocational interests of students and the academic and extracurricular activities Plainville has to offer.
Thank you to Sara Whitney, Kaydence Grebowiec, Abby Molina, Marlie Dobson and Bryan Garvert for being my student guides and to government teacher Mr. Dixon for joining us on the tour.
Boy Scout Troop #53 Chili Feed
This weekend, I joined Boy Scout Troop 53 at their Chili Feed in Lawrence. Thank you to the troops and parents for putting this event together and letting me stop by.
K-State Rodeo
On Sunday, I went to the final K-State Rodeo at Weber Arena. The event showed appreciation for those at Fort Riley with their "Red, White and Blue" day. It was great to see support for our local troops and watch the events throughout the afternoon. Thank you to the K-State Rodeo Club for putting on this amazing event for the past 77 years.
Clifton-Clyde High School
On Monday, I visited with students and faculty from Clifton-Clyde High School. It was great to learn what the school has to offer students with various interests both academically and through extracurriculars. Thank you to students Skylar Kahrs, Weston Girard, Jack Skocny, Calyn Baker and Cohen Girard for showing me around and taking the time to meet with me.
Republic County High School
Later on Monday, I visited Republic County High School and met with students, faculty and staff to learn more about the school. I want to thank students Benedict Baxa, Avery Stindt, Olivia Strnad and superintendent Tami Knedler for hosting me on my visit to Buffalo Country.
Celebrating President’s Day
Yesterday, we recognized the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s presidents. Kansas’ own President Eisenhower left a lasting legacy for all Americans both as President of the United States and leading our troops during WWII as a five-star general in the United States Army and the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.
If you are able, I encourage you to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene that honors a great Kansan and our 34th President.
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