T-R FILE PHOTO U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), right, pictured with resident Richard Huff and Commandant Todd jacobus, made his first visit to the iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown back in April.

Meeting with Iowa veterans and ensuring that, as a grateful state and nation, we support these heroes through the best healthcare and services that we have to offer is a top priority for me. Earlier this September, I had the pleasure of sitting down with fellow Iowan and new National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Carol Whitmore, who is the first Iowan elected to the position. We discussed the challenges our veterans face and effective solutions to barriers like access to healthcare.

Similarly, in April of this year, I was in Marshalltown on my 36 County Tour to tour the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) with the Commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Todd Jacobus. IVH is truly the gold standard of long-term care for our veterans. I was thoroughly impressed with the amenities and the care provided – a standard that far surpasses what could ever be expected of the roughly 700 employees who dedicate their time and talents to the nearly 400 residents. My tour of this facility–and conversations with Carol and Todd–highlighted the importance of ensuring our brave men and women receive the high-quality healthcare and benefits that they have earned and deserve.

Just the other week, I’m glad that my office could honor two veterans from Franklin County by presenting to their family a combined 12 medals and accolades that they earned serving our country in uniform. The late Roy Spangenberg, who served during World War II, and the late Arvin Stadtlander, who served during the Vietnam War, received these honors for their courage, character, and sacrifice. The noble men and women who have served in our armed forces must always be recognized for their contributions and valor.

On Sept. 16, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act with my strong support. This legislation permanently allows healthcare professionals with the Department of Veterans Affairs to prescribe needed medications for veterans via telehealth services. Telehealth is a vital lifeline for our veterans, especially those living in rural Iowa, to get the prescriptions and care that they need. Without reliable telehealth services, too many veterans would be forced to travel long distances for medical appointments or forgo seeing the doctor entirely. That’s unacceptable, and it’s a threat to the health and wellbeing of our fellow Iowans who made incredible sacrifices to serve our country. It’s why I supported passage of this legislation to permanently authorize VA healthcare providers to prescribe medications for veterans via telehealth. There is no reason that veterans should be denied the care that they deserve because of where they live or unnecessary government red tape.

I also recently voted for–and the House passed–the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation primarily focuses on active-duty military readiness, however, there are many provisions that benefit veterans. These benefits include authorizations for enhanced healthcare funding, mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, and economic opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

Less than 1% of the U.S. population is currently serving in the military, and about 6% of the population are veterans. This incredible sliver of our population has done the overwhelming duty of protecting our American way of life and our cherished freedoms. In years to come, many more will answer the call of duty and fill the boots of the soldiers who served before them. I will always advocate on behalf of our troops and our veterans and will forever be thankful for their service and sacrifice.

——-

Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.