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Recognizing Kansas WWII Veterans with Congressional Gold Medal

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award that represents the best expression by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions to the nation. On Friday, I had the consideration of presenting two of those medals to World Struggle II veteran Johnie Baima and the household of his late twin brother Louie Baima.

At 18 years previous, these two southeast Kansas males raised their proper hand and swore an oath to defend our nation. At a time when siblings had been usually not allowed to struggle in the identical unit, they refused to be separated. These two served within the China, Burma, and India Theatre in World Struggle II and fought via a few of the thickest, most dense jungles on this planet to push again towards Japanese forces.

Because the Merrill’s Mauraders had been killed in motion or turned sick, backup troopers had been despatched to hitch this elite group of troopers. Johnie and Louie had been among the many reinforcements despatched to hitch the Merrill’s Mauraders.

In 2020, the Merrill’s Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act turned legislation to acknowledge the “bravery and excellent service within the jungles of Burma in World Struggle II.” On Could 25, the Merrill’s Marauders Congressional Gold Medal was formally launched by the U.S. Mint. I used to be honored to current these medals and acknowledge two of Kansas’ World Struggle II veterans.

Thanks to Lt. Col. Tim Senecaut and Pastor Rick Bartlett for serving to me acknowledge these veterans and to Pittsburg State College for serving to manage the occasion on the Veterans Memorial.

Bringing New House Manufacturing to Kansas

In July 2020, I visited Fatih Ozmen, CEO of Sierra Nevada Company (SNC), and his spouse, Eren Ozmen, President of SNC, at their headquarters in Louisville, Colorado. In the course of the tour I acquired an outline of the Dream Chaser, their reusable spaceplane, and did a tour of their manufacturing flooring. In the course of the go to, I prolonged an invite to host Fatih and Eren Ozmen in Wichita to witness our capabilities and see how Wichita may play a task in serving to SNC obtain their objectives.

In March 2021, I used to be happy to host Fatih and Eren Ozmen at Spirit AeroSystems and talk about future partnerships. Final week, Sierra House and Spirit AeroSystems introduced the formation of a long-term strategic partnership to additional facilitate progress inside the business area trade. This historic announcement between Sierra House Firm, a subsidiary of SNC, and Spirit AeroSystems is a results of these preliminary conversations in 2020, and an thrilling first step within the partnerships to come back. I’d wish to thank Fatih and Eren Ozmen for taking the time to go to Wichita and see our capabilities and proficient workforce first hand. I stay up for persevering with to strengthen the connection between our state and their unbelievable firm for years to come back.

Stonepost Lofts Ribbon Chopping and Grand Opening

On Tuesday, I joined the Hays neighborhood for a ribbon slicing and the grand opening of Stonepost Lofts. Formally Washington Elementary Faculty, the varsity was bought by Overland Property Group from the USD 489 college district and remodeled into an 18-unit household housing growth. I commend those that had a hand in ensuring the varsity constructing didn’t stay vacant and sought to make the most of the constructing to fill a necessity that each neighborhood in Kansas desperately has. In almost each neighborhood I go to in Kansas, the subject of extra housing comes up. I do know effectively the essential function inexpensive housing performs within the progress of our Kansas communities and companies.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & City Affairs, I’m grateful for the chance to assist help initiatives like this one via a federal tax credit score program to ensure Kansans have entry to good houses. Thanks Overland Property Group, the Metropolis of Hays, USD 489 and all who labored on this venture to assist be sure that Hays residents have entry to high-quality, inexpensive housing. I’d additionally wish to thank Joshua Yurek, Director of Governmental Affairs for Midwest Housing Fairness Group, and Matt Gillam, Managing Companion for Overland Property Group for the invitation to take part on this celebration.

Celebrating 100 Years of Lions Membership

As a Lions Membership member for greater than 40 years, I used to be grateful to handle the one hundredth Anniversary Kansas Lions State Conference Friday afternoon and rejoice the 17 Lions Golf equipment throughout Kansas which have served their communities for a century.

Organizations just like the Lions Membership, which give attention to service of their communities and world wide, present a spot to come back collectively to make good issues occur by working alongside our neighbors. I hope via civic golf equipment like Lions we will recommit ourselves to have interaction in our communities, in individuals’s lives and assist tackle the challenges we face collectively.

It’s essential we protect that spirit of “We Serve” to proceed making a distinction in our communities for the subsequent 100 years. Thanks to Pittsburg Lions Membership President Lori Horton for the invitation to talk and to previous worldwide President Ed McCormick for his kindness.

Ribbon Chopping for Topside Manor

Whereas in western Kansas, I had the privilege to attend the ribbon slicing for Topside Manor Nursing residence in Goodland. This new nursing residence will present high quality care to seniors in western Kansas. Entry to a nursing residence in rural Kansas helps households keep in their very own communities whereas with the ability to love and care for his or her growing old mom or father. The individuals of Goodland got here collectively and labored to satisfy a necessity they noticed in their very own neighborhood. When individuals work collectively, they’ll accomplish nice issues. Particular due to Kansas State legislators in attendance Sen. Caryn Tyson, Sen. Rick Billinger, Rep. Adam Smith and Retired Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer in addition to Ron Shilling, Kevin Rasure and Gennifer Golden Home.

Talking at Colby Rotary

Thanks to the Colby Rotary for permitting me to talk to them on Tuesday. We spoke on the rising agriculture enter costs, the overseas meals disaster as a result of Ukraine battle, the significance of neighborhood and tech faculties in rural America, and ensuring that our rural hospitals and small companies keep open by offering sufficient broadband and sources. I mentioned how Rotary golf equipment just like the one in Colby may apply for grants to assist with the psychological well being disaster in rural America. Thanks Rep. Jim Minnix, Sen. Caryn Tyson and retired Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer for becoming a member of us. Thanks once more to Jen Schoenfeld for permitting me to talk and to listen to about essential points Colby is going through.

Assembly with Fort Riley Leaders and Supporters

This week, I joined the month-to-month luncheon assembly of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Army Relations Committee. As Rating Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a protection appropriator, I used to be happy to share progress that has been made in supporting Fort Riley troopers, households and veterans. This progress included the success of Irwin Military Hospital, the groundbreaking of latest on-post faculties that I efficiently advocated for as a part of the Nationwide Protection Authorization Act, in addition to efforts to safe extra on-base soldier housing. I additionally appreciated the prospect to supply an replace on my laws to handle toxic-exposed veterans

These investments will assist Pittsburg exchange its aged water remedy plant and develop its capabilities to accommodate industrial progress within the area, preserving tons of of native jobs and supporting the creation of latest ones.

Thanks to Pittsburg Metropolis Supervisor Daron Corridor, Pittsburg PD Chief Brent Narges and all town officers who labored intently with us to make sure these sources are utilized in a method that’s helpful to Pittsburg. I additionally appreciated talking with all the metropolis fee and Kansas State Rep. Chuck Smith.

Visiting Southeast Kansas

Saying Federal Sources for Pittsburg
I appreciated the chance to assist announce new federal investments within the Pittsburg neighborhood on Friday. Over the previous yr, I’ve labored intently with metropolis officers and the Pittsburg Police Division to determine federal sources that may proceed to assist this space develop.

These investments will assist Pittsburg exchange their aged water remedy plant and develop its capabilities to accommodate industrial progress within the area, preserving tons of of native jobs and supporting the creation of latest ones.

Thanks to Pittsburg Metropolis Supervisor Daron Corridor, Pittsburg PD Chief Brent Narges and all town officers that labored intently with us to make sure these sources are utilized in a method that’s helpful to Pittsburg. I additionally appreciated talking with all the metropolis fee and Kansas State Rep. Chuck Smith

McCune Farm to Market
It was additionally nice to cease by McCune Farm to Market on Friday, a family-owned grocery retailer, meat locker and restaurant that caters to domestically produced items. Final yr, they obtained a USDA grant via a program I supported to acquire a federal grant of inspection, which is able to enable native producers to develop their market to a wider buyer base.

It was a formidable institution, and I appreciated Connie Egbert for exhibiting me their operation. Native cafes like this one are an essential facet of conserving small cities alive and serving to scale back the meals deserts in rural areas. Thanks to the Schenker household to your efforts and your dedication to southeast Kansas.

New Federal Funding in Parsons Police Division
Later within the afternoon, I joined the Parsons Police Division, Fireplace Division, metropolis officers and native leaders to announce federal sources for the neighborhood to amass a pressure simulator for native legislation enforcement. This 360-degree simulator will play an essential function in coaching officers for a wide-range of interactions they might have whereas in uniform.

This announcement wouldn’t have been attainable with out native leaders voicing the necessity for this coaching device. Federal investments are greatest made at the side of people who know their neighborhood greatest, and I respect their work to make sure federal investments are locally-driven. Thanks to Parsons Metropolis Supervisor Debbie Lamb for the type introduction, Police Chief Robert Spinks to your advocacy, Public Security Advisory Board Members, Metropolis Commissioners Verlyn Bolinger, Kevin Cruse and Eric Strait together with native leaders for attending and particularly to all the police and fireplace division to your dedication to conserving your neighborhood secure.

Visiting Arma
Whereas in SEK, I additionally stopped by Arma and was in a position to obtain an replace from native metropolis officers and the police division on native happenings. I additionally appreciated catching up with pals at Fox Insurance coverage Company. Domestically-owned companies like those in Arma are what helps preserve small communities alive all through Kansas.

Touring Veterans United Residence Loans

Veterans United Residence Loans helps veterans make the most of the advantages from their service to buy houses and discover success of their life after service. I appreciated the chance to satisfy with the co-founder of Veterans United Residence Loans Brant Bukowsky. I respect the nice work this group does to serve our veterans and make use of tons of of Kansans.

Addressing Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leaders

Creating aspiring agricultural leaders in rural areas is important to our future as a nation. On Saturday night, I addressed the fifteenth graduating class of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Management (KARL) program and welcomed the sixteenth class into this system. KARL is a two-year program that helps to organize and join leaders which might be devoted to positively impacting our agricultural and rural communities.

The late Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, my buddy and a large in agricultural coverage, was instrumental in serving to launch the KARL program and supporting its growth over time. This was the primary KARL commencement ceremony since his passing, however there isn’t a doubt Dr. Flinchbaugh’s presence in ag coverage can be remembered for generations to come back via the hundreds of scholars he taught and mentored throughout his decades-long profession as a professor at Okay-State.

Thanks to Jill Zimmerman for the invitation to talk. To all of the KARL graduates: thanks to your dedication to Kansas; I stay up for seeing the intense future you assist create for our state.

Kansas American Legion Conference

On Saturday morning, I joined veteran advocates from throughout the state on the Kansas American Legion Convention in Topeka. Throughout my time in Congress, it has at all times been my intent that our veterans are given each alternative to realize that success after service, it doesn’t matter what challenges they may face due to their service. That’s the reason I’m honored to have served on the Veterans’ Affairs Committees in each the Home and the Senate, so I may work to make sure our veterans are getting the advantages and care they want.

I appreciated the chance to supply a Congressional replace on the historic laws to handle poisonous publicity that Senator Jon Tester and I unveiled final month. I additionally mentioned the implementation and oversight of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Psychological Well being Care Enchancment Act and the MISSION Act.

I wish to thank the Kansas Division of the American Legion for all you do on daily basis in supporting veterans throughout our state. Thanks to Kansas American Legion Commander Marri Krupco and Division Adjutant Jimmie Foster for the invitation and all of the veterans who shared their experiences with me.

American Legion members play an essential function in our communities, and plenty of assist honor and bear in mind the fallen on Memorial Day. Final week, I acquired this photograph from Laah Tucker, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 President in Natoma, of volunteers earlier than putting tons of of flags on seven cemeteries within the space.

Final yr, following the devastating flooding in Natoma the American Legion Corridor suffered injury, and with it the flags they positioned every year. Throughout my journey to survey the injury within the space, I used to be in a position to donate 300 flags so they might proceed the custom of putting flags on veterans’ graves. Thanks, Laah, for sharing this photograph.