View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of March 17-21, 2014

Good Day,

This was an in-district work week, an opportunity to spend time visiting the good people of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District and to listen to their concerns.

A visit to Pulaski County included a tour of Waynesville High School’s 9th Grade Center and its superb learning environment provided to students. The 9th Grade Center is designed for a purpose. I learned that while the center is a building within a building, housing core courses and facilities dedicated to freshmen, it is connected to the high school to allow students to take advantage of elective classes and programs and to interact with upperclassmen.

A major benefit is that the 9th Grade Center has students and faculty arranged in small learning communities where core teachers work with a smaller group of freshmen to get to know them, their parents, and their specific learning needs. Each morning, freshmen meet with their mentors who deliver mini-lessons that cover a wide range of topics important to student success. In essence, this educational experience is designed specifically to strengthen the transition of students from middle school to high school. As a former school teacher, I am impressed and pleased that such a high quality program is offered in our district.

Many of the students attending Waynesville High School are the sons and daughters of service members stationed at nearby Fort Leonard Wood. The Fort is observing Women’s History Month, and I was given the honor of addressing the 3rd Chemical Brigade luncheon on the theme of “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment.” It was a great opportunity to acknowledge some of the accomplishments they have made to our country.

Our history is rich with women who have distinguished themselves in the defense of our country. From Mary Hays McCauley, better known as Molly Pitcher, who brought drinking water to soldiers at the Battle of Monmouth during the American Revolutionary War - to Margaret Corbin, who took the place of her mortally wounded husband at the cannon during the defense of Fort Washington in 1776, and was awarded an annual pension by the State of Pennsylvania for her heroism in battle – to the women defending our country today in Afghanistan, women have served our country bravely and protected our freedoms. As a woman on the House Armed Services Committee, I am so proud of the contributions these and other women have made to our country and I thank the women who are serving today for all they do for our nation on a daily basis.

It is always important to hear from community leaders and I was pleased to meet with the Mayors of Waynesville and St. Robert as well as many of the civic and business leaders who shared their concerns with government red tape, the future of Fort Leonard Wood, and other issues of importance.

Fort Leonard Wood (FLW) is one of the Army’s premier Centers of Excellence and vital military assets. It is an important cog in the wheel of America’s defense readiness. It has come far since the days my father did his basic training there! I couldn’t be prouder to represent this installation. We must continue to stand strong for our national defense and let others know the good missions being conducted at FLW. I firmly believe that at a time when America faces threats from rogue nations and uncertainty with such powers as Russia, it would be a grave error to make further reductions to our national defense. I will continue to fight for additional funding to ensure we provide for the common defense.

I visited Pettis County this week, as well, meeting with the good people at the Ewing Vocational Center, which is part of the Center for Human Services (CHS). The Center provides vocational rehabilitation or habilitation services that include job counseling, job training, and work experience to citizens with disabilities and who are affected by lack of education, job skills, or experience.

The CHS Vision statement is: Lives without limitations; and its Mission statement is: Overcoming barriers to achieve a fulfilled life. There is a firm commitment to helping everyone achieve his or her abilities and dreams and to live full lives. The Center has seen many of the people it has served over the years grow up, attend school, go to work, and contribute to their communities. The Center is also thankful for the positive response its efforts have received from the good people of Sedalia and Pettis County. This cooperation has been an integral part of so many individuals with disabilities achieving success. It is truly a blessing for citizens in need of vocational assistance to have access to this center and the caring communities interested in hiring. I am honored that this center is part of our district, helping many of our citizens to succeed and become productive members of society.

As a staunch supporter of our Second Amendment rights, while in Sedalia I took the opportunity to visit Sierra Bullets, which manufactures bullets known throughout the world for their quality. Hunting and target bullets for rifles and handguns are the only products made by Sierra, and I was impressed with all I saw. It’s important we continue to stand strong for our freedoms and I am glad Sierra Bullets is helping to lead the way.

It’s been a busy week, but one I value as I was able to spend time with the good citizens of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District. The reasonable and sound comments I hear as I visit cities and towns throughout our district provide me with valuable insight I take when I return to Washington, D.C. There is no substitute for good old fashioned Missouri common sense and values.

Have a great week.

Vicky