Balderson connects with Holmes veterans over coffee
As U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson, right, addresses the crowd of veterans during his visit to Millersburg, his aide Javan Johnson provides information to a previous veteran who had a question.
For many people, all they want is for their voice to be heard.
On Tuesday, Aug. 20 at the Holmes County American Legion building in Millersburg, a full house of veterans got to sit down with Troyer Balderson, United States congressman representing the Ohio 12th Congressional District, for a coffee talk centered around hearing their needs.
Holmes County veterans had the opportunity to have their voices heard by someone in a position to make a difference.
Balderson made it apparent he is more than willing to listen and be a champion for veterans by going to bat for U.S. citizens who chose to serve their country and commit their lives in the name of freedom.
In what was a hectic, packed month of visiting constituents throughout his district, Balderson prioritized the veterans of Holmes County as one of his focal points.
“This is the best part of my job,” Balderson said, “to get out and travel the district and talk to veterans. It was important to hear from them, and we also communicated.”
Balderson and his team blocked off two hours of his schedule to connect with the veterans and their spouses, and he took plenty of notes.
“The main thing we wanted to accomplish today was to put a face to a name, and that is the most important thing to do,” Balderson said. “We had good dialogue and talked about many subjects.”
Holmes County Veterans Services Director Dan Stackhouse got the ball rolling in bringing Balderson to the area for the coffee talk and said these types of events speak volumes as to the importance Balderson places on hearing the voices of veterans and giving hope to the veterans that their concerns are being heard from someone who cares and can make a positive impact.
“This is extremely important,” Stackhouse said. “This gives them a chance to talk to someone who is involved with making the laws and changes that benefit them. Our office is starting to build relationships with all of our local leaders, and we want the voices of our veterans to be heard.”
Balderson broached many of the topics that determine benefits for veterans and affect their rights to receiving the quality care they fought to protect in their time in the Armed Forces.
He said the four main topics his office was focusing on this year include veterans services, Social Security, IRS concerns and passport issues.
The topics presented by the visiting veterans quickly turned to health issues related to Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune and the frustration of illegal immigrants now entering the country receiving more benefits than do many of the veterans who served their country, some of whom are facing homelessness.
The congressman said he was grateful for each question and concern being raised, noting it was important to receive the input of veterans who have served and are now facing difficulty.
He said it is imperative veterans speak up and connect with their local and state officials so these issues can be heard.
“You all have the stories — you have the greatest stories to tell — and those stories are what we (as congressmen) need to hear,” Balderson said. “Please, tell me the stories so I can go in front of these committees and share them. You’ve got to put those questions out there. Don’t be afraid to ask and have your voices heard.”
The congressman said while there are many strides being made, many questions and concerns remain unanswered and unaddressed.
“The benefits are getting better,” Balderson said. “It’s been baby steps, and it hasn’t been fast enough, but it is getting better, and our office is going to continue to advocate that we streamline this process. They are listening to you. Is it fast enough for me? It is not, but we’re going to keep pushing.”
Attending the meeting in addition to the veterans were Doug Schaefer and Jason Thornton, VA officers in Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties, respectively, and each said they are fighting to maintain and improve veterans’ rights and benefits in their counties.
In addition to answering questions, Balderson’s staff was quick to present many of the veterans with proper paperwork that could help address their concerns and connect them to his office, where they could further discuss those concerns and questions.
It was an avenue of sharing for veterans that Stackhouse said they often don’t feel they receive.
Before leaving, Balderson’s staff shared the district office’s direct phone line, inviting anyone with concerns and questions to call. The number is 614-523-2555.