As the August district work period moves along, I’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with constituents throughout the district. As your representative, it is my job to make sure I know firsthand of your experiences and challenges, and do all I can to represent and assist you. Last week marked both the 75-year anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act, as well as the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. This is a time I believe we must reflect upon the experience and wisdom found in the Greatest Generation, and do all we can to preserve and protect both them and their values.

 In many of my conversations with seniors, we often share in a great concern facing our nation today--protecting Social Security. We’ve made a promise to safeguard and take care of our elders throughout their years, and I will continue to fight to make sure that is a promise we keep. I had the privilege of visiting with Mrs. Sarah Gulledge of Monroe last week, the same week she celebrated her 90th birthday. We discussed many things, from her early childhood to her long career as a public servant in Union County, but our conversation came back to the importance of making sure Social Security remains intact and protected. As a widow, Mrs. Gulledge has relied on her Social Security to provide for herself and continue on the life she led. I remain committed to preserving the honor and dedication that so many of our seniors deserve, and protecting their way of life and livelihood will remain one of my top priorities.

 I also had the proud opportunity to take part in the celebration of Airborne Day at Ft. Bragg, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Army Parachute Test Platoon’s first official jump, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Special Operations Museum. I was honored to sit beside guest speaker Lt. Gen. Richard Seitz, former Commander of the 82nd Airborne and the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg. Lt. Gen. Seitz is a proud World War II veteran, who fought at the Battle of the Bulge and received the Silver Star.  He spoke not only of his past history of our nation’s armed services, but also its future.  He spoke of the great courage and valor our troops had, and the tradition that remains.  His account was especially meaningful to me since my own father fought at the Battle of the Bulge as well and I grew up hearing about the honor and sacrifice of those who served in WWII. This tradition is alive and well in our current military force, and all those who proudly served prior. Our district embodies that courage, and I will continue to take their fight with me in all that our district encounters. Through their strength and wisdom, we’ve achieved so much, and we can continue to together as a nation.

 From the Great Depression to fighting for our freedom on foreign soil, our seniors and veterans have been through hard times before. They hold values and wisdom deeply embedded in their past. Through the very same strength and perseverance our nation has shown time and time again, these great Americans continue to guide us to success, and we must carry their lessons learned with us. Just as they did not back down from the challenges of their lives, we must not now as we face rebuilding a recovery from our recent economic crisis. 

 We can learn so much from those who’ve come before us. The experiences and life lessons of our seniors and veterans are a treasure, and to not learn from what they can teach us about survival in tough times, as well as making our communities better places to live, we do at our own peril.  Our nation and this great state have found much success and opportunity through the hard work and sacrifices of the very folks I hear from in my work as your Congressman.  I am honored to represent so many everyday heroes.

 

Congressman Larry Kissell (D-N.C. -8) offices include Rockingham: 230 East Franklin St., Rockingham, NC 28379, Phone: 997-2070; Concord number (704) 786-1612; Fayetteville number (910) 920-2070; Washington office: 512 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; phone (202) 225-3715. Web site, kissell.house.gov.