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Every year on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who answered the call to serve our nation. Their unrelenting courage, sacrifice, and devotion to protecting our freedom represent the very best of America and have shaped our history. This day is not only about gratitude and reflection; it’s about commitment to those who have put their lives on the line for this country.

Often, the toughest battles begin after service ends. Sergeant Brandon Ketchum, an Iowa Marine who served two tours of duty overseas, struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) upon his return. After being turned away from a local VA hospital when he sought treatment, Sergeant Ketchum tragically took his own life.

That’s why I led bipartisan legislation — signed into law in 2021 — to ensure veterans can access the emergency mental health resources they need when they need them. Sergeant Ketchum’s story reminds us of what’s at stake when bureaucracy stands in the way. No veteran should ever be denied care when seeking help, and mental health must be treated with the same urgency and seriousness as physical well-being.

But too many veterans still face red tape and stigma when they reach out for support. In my office, we work every day to cut through that bureaucracy. Recently, we helped a veteran who was struggling to find a nearby VA clinic for routine blood work. Our team worked with the VA to connect him to a closer facility, allowing him to receive care without the extra burden of driving hours away from home. Another veteran came to us needing help navigating the VA system for his glasses, and we were able to help him get what he needed. These small victories matter deeply to our veterans.

We’ve also made critical progress in expanding presumptive conditions for toxic exposures and service-connected illnesses. Earlier this year, I helped introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans diagnosed with glioblastoma — a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer — receive proper care.

This bill was inspired by outreach from Linda Smith of Independence, Iowa, who shared the story of her husband, Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith, who tragically lost his life to glioblastoma after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. Since glioblastoma isn’t recognized as a toxic exposure condition, Spc. Smith couldn’t access his benefits. This legislation, named in his honor, ensures veterans exposed to toxic substances receive the care they deserve.

Our work honors their sacrifice — and pays it forward for the next generation of heroes.

Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we’re correcting course after years of VA mismanagement. Our mission is clear: to cut through red tape, expand access, and raise the standard of care.

I will always look out for our nation’s heroes who answered the call and will continue working to ensure our veterans receive excellent care and maximum convenience. If you or a loved one needs help accessing benefits or services from the VA, please call my office at (319) 364-2288 for assistance. My team and I stand ready to help.

This piece was originally published in The Gazette on November 7, 2025.