ICYMI: Hinson, Sgt. Trent Dirks Raise Awareness About Veterans' Mental Health During SOTU

February 9, 2023

Washington, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson hosted retired U.S. Army Sergeant Trent Dirks and his service dog, Tracer, as her guests for the State of the Union Address. Sgt. Dirks, like many veterans, suffered from PTSD following deployment and found the support needed through Retrieving Freedom, an organization dedicated to training service dogs for veterans. This week, Sgt. Dirks and Tracer headed to the U.S. Capitol to discuss the importance of improving access to veterans' mental health care and service dogs, and attend the State of the Union Address. Check out highlights from their trip below.

KCCI: Sgt. Trent Dirks discusses being invited to State of the Union

KCRG: Sgt. Trent Dirks talks about Retrieving Freedom, State of the Union

KGAN: Hinson, Sgt. Dirks discuss focus on veterans' mental health care

Fox News: Hinson, Sgt. Dirks discuss message for veterans who are struggling

WHO-13: Sgt. Dirks tells his story, talks about work with Hinson

KCRG: Iowa veteran invited as guest to State of the Union

WHO-13: Hinson’s State of the Union guest spreads mental health awareness for veterans

KGAN: Rep. Ashley Hinson brings Sgt. Trent Dirks as guest for State of the Union Address

KWWL: Grundy Center native, veteran invited to State of the Union

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: Hinson announces Sgt. Trent Dirks as State of the Union Guest

Need to Know with Jeff Angelo: Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Trent Dirks and Representative Ashley Hinson at the State of the Union to draw attention to veterans' mental health issues

Globe Gazette: Hinson announces army veteran as State of the Union guest

Fox News: GOP lawmakers invite Afghanistan veterans to State of the Union