Honoring those who have served

Over the weekend, I proudly joined Southwest Michigan in celebrating and thanking our nation’s veterans for their incredible service and sacrifice. As the Representative for Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, I had the honor of recognizing hundreds of men and women in our military community during the Veterans Day event at Fort Custer National Cemetery. After the ceremony, I appreciated meeting and listening to veterans about their experiences with local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. My office specifically has a caseworker that specializes in matters involving the VA and care for our veterans. I am committed to ensuring that the men and women who defended our nation receive the respect they deserve, as well as the benefits and services they have earned.

In addition to honoring those veterans in attendance, I was grateful to discuss my family’s connection to military service and Southwest Michigan. My grandfather and namesake, Pvt. William Huizenga, was inducted, trained, and then ultimately discharged from the Army at what was formerly known as “Camp Custer” during World War I. My father, during his service in World War II, was involved in a B-24 plane crash in Italy, killing most on board. Thankfully, he survived and went on to spend a significant amount of recovery time at Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, which is now known as the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center. It means a great deal to me to now have the privilege of serving Southwest Michigan in Congress.

Thank you to all the men and women who served to protect our nation and defend our freedom. As I work with my colleagues in Congress to improve the care and benefits provided by the VA, my staff and I stand ready to assist veterans across Southwest Michigan. If you or someone you know is a veteran or otherwise eligible for VA care and is having challenges with the VA or other federal agencies, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or my office in Portage at (269) 569-8595 for assistance.