Nunn visits with Adair, Guthrie County veterans

In order to hear directly from constituents, Congressman Zach Nunn, a Republican from Polk County who serves the Third Congressional District, held a roundtable discussion with veterans Monday, Aug. 21 at the Veterans Affairs office in Greenfield.

Nunn told the full room of people that there’s been a high learning curve for he and his staff since he was elected.

Still serving in the Air Force and a member of his local American Legion post, Nunn stated that it’s a high priority of his to look out for the needs of veterans across his congressional district.

“It’s been a privilege getting to serve all over the world, now one of my big things is being able to help other veterans who are out there,” Nunn said.

During the roundtable, Nunn heard from a variety of veterans who come from backgrounds that are just as varied.

One was part of the potential water contamination issue at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina while he served. One was worried about medical benefits being available to more National Guard members, not just those who have served six months active duty. Another shared about considerable struggles he’s faced with getting the care he needs at VA hospitals. Another told about a program Farm Bureau has that links veterans with jobs.

Beth Watson is administrator for Guthrie County Veterans Affairs and Gwen Johnston holds the same position in Adair County. Both women explained area Veterans Affairs offices are very good about working together to get veterans the best assistance and benefits they qualify for.

Nunn said the best way to pass better legislation that would benefit veterans is for service members who are also lawmakers to educate the others on what veterans’ needs.

The congressman said there are three caseworkers on the job across the Third District available to help those who need it and mobile office hours are being held regularly for anyone with a concern that could be helped by legislators like himself.

“The Third District in Iowa is a great district, but it’s about one-third Republican, one-third Independent and one-third Democrat,” Nunn said. “I work for all these guys. When I’m in my official capacity, I’m working for all these guys, not just a party. That’s why just about every bill we’ve done in Congress right now is bipartisan.”