U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk will host a student veterans town hall meeting at Kennesaw State University on Monday, Sept. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Clendenin Building, room CL-1009.The meeting’s purpose is to serve as an interactive forum for student veterans to voice their concerns and connect with the resources that they need and deserve. “I want to make sure we engage with the veterans all across the [11th Congressional] District, but especially those at KSU,” Loudermilk said.
According to Loudermilk’s District Director Caric Martin, who attended KSU his junior year and serves on the KSU Athletic Association Board of Directors, KSU has approximately 2,000 student veterans, as well as an award-winning Veterans Services area.
“[KSU] is a natural place to go to listen to issues and concerns. We in our Congressional office are trying to reach veterans of all ages. We want to hear from all veterans what problems exist within the VA,” Martin said. Martin also explains the importance of the 11th District’s efforts in veteran’s affairs.
“The caseworkers in our office are now helping about 100 veterans in resolving issues related to services and needs that are not being provided as they should. Veterans’ issues account for approximately 40% of our open cases.”
Crystal Gilbert, Loudermilk’s Constituent Services Director, adds to Martin’s sentiments. Although her interaction with veterans is limited to outreach, discussing and listening, she says that some of the situations that she has been presented with are “troubling.”
“From my own perspective just listening to these veterans, we are letting them down. The VA is in need of change, but until it is ‘fixed’ or ‘corrected’ we have an obligation to advocate on behalf of our constituents,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert also points out the importance of the meeting in giving the community direct access to Congressman Loudermilk and his staff.
“Countless times I have worked with Constituents and been told ‘I never knew my Congressman could help me with this issue’,” she said. “So, while a town hall is a great opportunity to meet and hear from Congressman Loudermilk, it is also a time to learn all the aspects of a Congressional office and how we can assist. Veterans want to be heard and listened to, so I am excited that Congressman Loudermilk has the opportunity to focus just on this very important group of people.”
As a veteran himself, as well as the son of a World War II veteran, Loudermilk says that he understands the pain that comes with life after combat and dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“These are people who have voluntarily, literally put their lives on the line for our freedom. And, especially with the veterans that are coming back from combat zones, they have life-changing experiences. No one goes into the field of battle and comes back the same.”
Loudermilk explains that many veterans are dealing with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, all while dealing with the challenges of finding a job and/or going back to school.
“You know, there are not a whole lot of jobs out there for people who were trained to do…what some of these guys have to do in the military, especially if you’re a combat veteran,” Loudermilk said. “It’s our country’s responsibility to take care of those who have taken care of us and our freedoms.”
Loudermilk represents Georgia’s 11th Congressional District, which includes all of Bartow and Cherokee counties and parts of Cobb and Fulton Counties. He served as Chairman of the Bartow County Republican Party from 2001 to 2004, served as state Representative of Georgia’s 14th District from 2005 to 2011, and was a member of the Georgia Senate from 2011 to 2013.
While a senator, Loudermilk served as secretary to the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee. Loudermilks cites both restructuring the Department of Education to be more accepting of military students from out of state and helping to employ combat veterans who have not yet turned 21 years old as his most important accomplishments in this position.
When asked what his primary message to student veterans is, Loudermilk’s answer is simple. “I would say thank you—for your service to us. Now come, and let’s see what we can do to serve you.”