This Week in Congress

November 13, 2006 

Dear Friend,

Welcome to "This Week in Congress." I returned to Washington, D.C., today to resume Congressional business. I hope you find this newsletter useful.

Veterans Day: Kansans Honor Generations of Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day, I joined community members in Beloit and Garden City for events to honor Kansas veterans. I participated in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) parade and hamburger feed in Beloit on Friday. Local VFW member Robert Peterson took me to Elmwood Cemetery to show me the new veterans memorial monument the Beloit VFW dedicated in May. On Saturday, I joined southwest Kansas residents in Garden City for a parade and ceremony at Stevens Park.

This Veterans Day was especially significant in Garden City with the recent loss of Seth Algrim, a Marine who was killed two weeks ago during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton in California, and Specialist Clint Upchurch, who died on January 7 in Iraq during patrol operations. Seth and Clint will forever be remembered as heroes for the sacrifices they made on our behalf.

It is remarkable that since the Revolutionary War, America has been blessed by men and women like Seth and Clint who willingly put country before self. Those who served in our country's past wars gave us not freedom, but the opportunity for freedom. The battle to preserve our liberty must be fought by every generation each day. Each year on Veterans Day, let us remember and show our appreciation for the generations who stepped forward to answer the call of duty and defend our way of life.

Click here to read my editorial on the importance of Veterans Day.

Rumsfeld Delivers Landon Lecture, Myers Hall Dedicated at K-State

On Thursday, I was at Kansas State University to attend the 145th Landon Lecture presented by Department of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. This was Rumsfeld's first major address after having announced his resignation on Wednesday. He spoke of the conflict in Iraq, as well as the challenges our country faces as we defend against a new kind of enemy in the war on terror. The Secretary's address was a good opportunity for members of the K-State community to learn more about these significant national security issues.

Following the remarks, university officials renamed and dedicated K-State's Military Science Building in honor of General Richard Myers. General Myers graduated from K-State in 1965. From 2001-2005, he served as the President's chief military advisor in the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was recently appointed as a part-time professor of military history and leadership at K-State. Myers Hall is home to the Army and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps on campus.

Also while on campus, I stopped by K-State's Kansas Politics and Government class to talk with students about Tuesday's elections and share my experiences in Kansas government.

Visiting Kansas Communities

Dighton: I spent time in Dighton this week visiting with area residents. I made stops at First National Bank, City Hall, Bretz Implement, Kwik Shop, the Dighton Herald, the courthouse, local library, Farm Bureau, the office of Attorney Craig Kershner and the USD 482 office.

Hays: On Tuesday, I spent time in Hays. I started my day visiting with local residents at the Daylight Donut Shop. I then joined Don Hageman's senior government class at Thomas More Prep High School to visit about current issues. I also enjoyed speaking to my local Lions Club at the Golden Ox Pavilion during the noon hour. I have been a member of the Hays Lions Club for 28 years. This weekend, I attended the Hays High School musical. The students did a great job performing "Footloose." Special appreciation goes to those who worked with students to make this performance happen, including teachers Elise Peterson and Bill Gasper, as well as my wife, Robba, who served as the accompanist.

In the Office

Stopping by my office this week was Julie Heaser of Salina. Julie is a student at the University of Wisconsin and is currently serving as a science and technology fellow in the Department of Homeland Security.

Several Kansans came by my Washington, D.C., office this week for a tour of the United States Capitol. Donna Staab of Great Bend, Robert Schremmer of Dodge City, Deb Guttery of Osborne, Joyce Sanko of Pittsburg and Kathy Lyerla of Prairie Village all stopped by. Richard, Natalie and Miguel Vieyra of Junction City also came by for a tour.