Comments for Apropos of nothing whatsoever...

Apropos of nothing whatsoever...

2007-08-24T17:55:57Z

Some of you might recognize a name or two here.

BOYDA ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS ADVISORY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED FOR THEIR EXPERTISE AND UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES

TOPEKA, KS – While in Kansas for the August Congressional Recess, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) held the inaugural meeting of her Kansas Second District Veterans and Military Affairs Advisory Council (VMAAC) on August 10, 2007, in Leavenworth , Kansas .

The Council consists of respected community leaders in veterans' and military issues and is devoted to gathering ideas from Second District soldiers and veterans, generating ideas for improvement, and providing policy guidance to Rep. Boyda.

The following are the founding members of the Veterans and Military Affairs Advisory Council:

LTG (Ret.) Richard Keller, Leavenworth
MG (Ret.) Jack Strukel, Tecumseh
RADM (Ret.) Mike Sulivan, Lawrence
COL (Ret.) Bob Ulin, Lansing
COL (Ret.) William R. Moyer, Bonner Springs
LTC (Ret.) Mark Uhart, Lansing
CSM (Ret.) Larry Smith, Leavenworth
MAJ (Ret.) John Donovan, Leavenworth
SFC David E. Burgoon, Auburn
SSG (Ret.) Henry Johns, Lawrence
SGT Laura L. Wright, Wellsville
Paul H. Kindling, M.D., T.A.C.S., Topeka
Mrs. Elke M. Dunlap, Topeka

Rep. Boyda said, "In a time of war, it is critical that elected representatives listen to the expert guidance of our soldiers and veterans. The insights of the new Veterans and Military Advisory Council will help me better serve current and former military personnel across Kansas ."

The Veterans and Military Advisory Council will meet regularly with Rep. Boyda and her staff to provide ongoing guidance on issues affecting soldiers and veterans. The first order of business will be examining veterans’ benefits, especially health care, with an eye toward speeding up eligibility determinations and improving service delivery.

As I promised the people on that list - what's said in council stays in council, that's not bloggable. But the results might be.

And, in a sense, all y'all helped - by helping me make this place what it is.

And, since I serve as a conduit into Representative Boyda's staff on issues of that nature - feel free to hit the email link in the sidebar and send your concerns about issues.

If you need actual assistance with something immediate -vice input on policy, legislation, etc - contact her District Office directly.

Comment from Instapilot on 2007-08-24

2007-08-25T03:00:04Z

Keep me posted on her actual voting record...I think this is a smokescreen. But...I could be wrong. When she starts saying really radical stuff like: "When we're fighting a war, let's argue about how to win it, not how to lose it." and then backing it up with a voting record. Tamerlane sends...

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2007-08-24

2007-08-25T00:36:27Z

I will, Kat - she's exactly what you said. And she had a *really* tough job on her deployment. Really tough. And she's hard as nails. In a good way. I was *very* impressed by all the NCOs. They certainly outclassed the field grades.

Comment from kat-missouri on 2007-08-24

2007-08-24T23:17:35Z

SGT Laura L. Wright

And I recognize this fine upstanding marine. I met her at our talking with heroes event. She has two girls and was deployed to Iraq 2006-2007. She was an excellent speaker and totally squared away. I believe she is going to school to get her law degree, correct me if I am wrong. If I am correct, next meeting, please tell her that Soldiers' Angels in Kansas City continues to appreciate her service to our nation and local vets.

Comment from MaryAnn on 2007-08-24

2007-08-24T22:32:00Z

Wow, John - that's great! Lots of work to be done on some very important issues. Thank you for taking this on.

Comment from BillT on 2007-08-24

2007-08-24T21:21:38Z

Hey! I *did* recognize one of the names -- RADM(Ret) Mike Sullivan of Lawrence, NJ. But the last time I saw him, he was an E-6 with the RAID Det. Nice to see the Navy promotes real talent when they see it. There's still hope for Lex, evidently...