Issue Position: Honoring our Veterans

When people ask what inspired me to run for the legislature, veterans and their families are at the top of my list. As the Commander of 250 troops in Iraq, those Soldiers did everything that was asked of them. Some lost limbs, some never came home and all came back with a lasting impact of our experiences that we have had to deal with. I feel the obligation to make our state a welcoming place for veterans to live, work and retire. That is why I serve in the Minnesota Legislature.

Sen. Fischbach and I worked together on a bill to name a stretch of Highway 23 in Paynesville in honor of fallen war hero Kenneth L. Olson. Spc. Olson was from Stearns County and served in the U.S. Army making the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, giving up his own life to spare nearby fellow soldiers. As a veteran myself, It was great to honor Spc. Olson and all veterans with this bill. I also championed legislation to help veterans' families with burial expenses and reduce paperwork for disabled veterans.

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