U.S. Senator Addresses Concerned Veterans

Concerns Heard at Veterans Town Hall in Superior

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“Every Friday morning we raise the flag at the Bong Center,” American Legion Richard I. Bong Post 435 commander Del Kanjas said.

The raising of the flags showed veterans and their families gratitude for defending our nation.

“We get emotional sometimes depending on whose being honored,” said Kanjas. “So yea it’s a very important thing in our lives.”

After the ceremony the crowd moved into the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center for a veterans town hall held by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin).

“We need to honor the promises we made to the finest among us, there’s no doubt about it,” said Johnson.

Veterans told FOX 21 key concerns are in the areas of housing, mental illness, medical benefits and education.

“For a lot of vets that just can’t seem to get it together,” said Kanjas. “It’s good for the federal government to understand what those needs are and to work on them. I think the VA’s getting better but still there’s a ways to go.”

The listening session took the form of a Q and A.

“Very helpful so that our delegation can hear from our veterans about the issues of concern to them,” Douglas County administrator Andy Lisak said.

The session explored anything from foreign policies to conceal and carry laws.

“If it’s one word I would describe it it’s security,” said Johnson. “In such uncertain times people are feeling a sense of just insecurity, they’re not feeling safe.”

The U.S. Senator will also travel east of Superior to promote industry, job creation and tourism.

“I’ll be talking about the great resorts, great fishing,” said Johnson.

During the town hall Douglas County was recognized as an employer that supports employees in the National Guard and reserves.