Dear Friends,

Today on Veterans Day we honor our nation’s brave veterans and thank them and their families for their sacrifices for our country. As the representative of Kentucky’s Second District, I’m proud to represent thousands of veterans and active-duty service members at Fort Knox. Last month I greatly enjoyed meeting several of these courageous veterans, who served in WWll, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as their family members at the World War ll Memorial in Washington, D.C.

I have also been proud to call Kentucky home as a veteran. I was a Field Artillery Officer in the 101st Airborne Division – Air Assault at Fort Campbell and have enjoyed raising my family in Kentucky’s Second District.

Rep. Guthrie at the World War ll Memorial meeting Kentucky veterans and their families

On Veterans Day I reflect on the life of my uncle Bobby, who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Korean War. I never knew my uncle but grew up listening to stories about our family’s hero. In my Washington, D.C. office I have a 48-star United States flag to honor my uncle, Robert Guthrie. I know other Kentuckians know the sacrifices of military service, and today I will especially be thinking of you.

48-star United States flag in Rep. Guthrie’s office to honor his uncle’s memory

I also want to share with you services available to veterans who live in the Second District, and my recent work for our veterans in our community.

Rep. Guthrie at the World War ll Memorial meeting Kentucky veterans and their families

Navigating Federal Agencies

Navigating federal agencies can be frustrating. I have a team dedicated to help constituents navigate the bureaucracy maze on your behalf. For example, if you are having issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs, my team can help. My constituent services team can help veterans with medical billing, scheduling appointments at clinics/hospitals, VA Home Loans, and pending claims. If you need help, please start by filling out the privacy release form that can be found HERE. A frequently asked questions page can be found HERE. My constituent services team can be reached at (270) 842-9896 or at guthrieassistance@mail.house.gov.

Suicide Prevention Training

Sadly, we lose approximately 17 veterans to suicide each day. I held a Veteran Suicide Prevention Training in August in Elizabethtown with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I brought together veterans and members of the community for this training with Kelly Marcum, who is the Community Engagement Program Coordinator at Robley Rex VA Medical Center. This training was focused on helping people learn how to recognize the warning signs of someone who is considering suicide and how we can better care for veterans to prevent suicides.

Rep. Guthrie hosting a Veteran Suicide Prevention Training

If you or someone you know need help, the Veterans Crisis Line is open 24/7 and is confidential. The number is 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also text 838255.

Rep. Guthrie participating in the Veteran Suicide Prevention Training

Work in Congress

In Congress I am working on strengthening the resources available to veterans to ensure they receive the benefits and support they deserve. To improve health care benefits for veterans, I supported the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvements Act, which is now law. This expands and modernizes health care and benefits programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I also supported the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act to improve mental health services offered to veterans, which includes strengthening the VA’s mental health workforce and expanding VA telehealth services.

I have had many veterans reach out to my office with issues accessing their military service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC has been slow to respond as the employees have been working at limited capacity due to COVID-19, which has led to a backlog of over 550,000 requests as of last month. I know veterans need this information much quicker than they have been receiving it to access certain benefits they have earned or file disability claims. I cosponsored the RECORDS Act to have NPRC fully reopen and develop a plan to address the backlog, so veterans can receive their needed records in a timely manner.

Additionally, I want veterans to succeed after their service in the military. I voted to create a Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration within the VA to focus on veteran transition and employment programs. I also supported codifying the Boots to Business (B2B) program at the Small Business Administration. The B2B program offers an entrepreneurial education and training program to veterans, people transitioning out of the military, active-duty service members, and military spouses on developing business plans, taking advantage of SBA’s resources, and more. 

In Case You Missed It

News Enterprise: Guthrie hosts veterans suicide prevention training

WTVQ: First Flight to Nation’s Capitol in Two Years

Spectrum News: In Focus: Congressman Brett Guthrie discusses care, benefits for veterans

How can I help?

My office and I are happy to help you. My constituent services team can help provide assistance for the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. Please click HERE or call 270-842-9896 to contact my office.