As a County Supervisor in neighboring Grundy County, I have found myself intrigued by the happenings in Hardin County. From the public comment debacle to disinformation over a Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution that would turn Hardin County into the “Wild West” I’m entertained by the antics in Hardin County.

Today I’m writing about something more serious, the care and compassion for United States Military Veterans and current service members.

I enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard while still in high school. I took the oath and understood the task and responsibilities at hand, and in 2020 I was deployed for the first time.

Ahead of my first deployment, I found friendship, encouragement, and camaraderie in Hardin County Supervisor, BJ Hoffman.

I’d known BJ since high school where he was very engaged in the BCLUW schools and the community. Going on a deployment halfway around the world was pretty intimidating, but the support in letters, phone calls, and emails while deployed helped me tremendously.

The most amazing thing was that BJ made sure that when my unit returned home on April 13, 2021, at the Waterloo Airport he was on that tarmac to welcome me home. That respect and honor of my service made me feel welcome at home and assured me that BJ is a supporter of our military.

I also recall seeing BJ welcome his Navy Veteran father home from an Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and the passion he has for our men and women in uniform.

In Hardin County, I know he loves his military community. He went so far as to lure our Veteran’s Service Officer away from Grundy County when Col. Koehrsen retired as the Hardin County V.S.O.

His commitment was shown as he supported a loan to the Radcliffe Legion to build their beautiful new facility that serves the community so well.

Finally, when you go to vote you have an easy decision to make. A vote for BJ Hoffman is a vote for a man who will be waiting for veterans at the end of the aircraft steps and will find support for the veteran community by any legal means possible.

BJ Hoffman unabashedly loves this Country, loves Hardin County, and loves our military community.