Leading by Listening in Bellevue

Scott Kleeb launched his Building a Better Nebraska Tour in Bellevue this morning by listening to 29 Nebraskan veterans and military family members gathered at the Americana Bistro located just outside Offutt Air Force Base.

Karyn spoke movingly of veteran's experiences after WWII. Artie spoke with pride of his service in the Air Force and how his son has followed in his footsteps. Jeremiah, a disabled veteran from Kearney, addressed how gaps in coverage and assessment of his injuries have affected his health. Charlene, another proud Air Force veteran, conveyed the difficulties some National Guard members have faced upon returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff brought home the plight faced by homeless vets. And Linda reminded the veterans and military family members present of the challenges faced by the spouses of those who serve.

Karyn and Artie and Jeremiah and Charlene and Jeff and Linda were just six of the twenty-nine Nebraskans who came to share their thoughts and insights about military and veterans affairs with senate candidate Scott Kleeb in Bellevue today. Kleeb thanked everyone in attendance for their thoughts.

Scott Kleeb deliberately chose to launch his listening tour of Nebraska by inviting some of Nebraska's veterans and military families to share their thoughts with his campaign:

"I learned so much from the brave men and women I spoke with today, and thank them for their service to our country, and their commitment to building a better Nebraska," Kleeb said. "As I continue to craft my policy platform, I will be certain to include their voices and address their concerns."

Cuts to funding for veterans hospitals and inefficiency within the Department of Veterans Affairs were identified as key factors that impact the quality of service that veterans receive. Specifically, the veterans and military families participating today believed that Washington can do more to help returning soldiers adjust to civilian life.

"Veterans have earned the right to quality and comprehensive health care benefits," Kleeb said. "It's time we demand that government make good on its promise to provide vets with opportunities to succeed both abroad and after returning home."

The Building a Better Nebraska Tour continues through August with listening events held all over our state. For Scott Kleeb, putting people at the center of our politics is the first step in making a change in Washington. The veterans and military families Scott Kleeb visited with in Bellevue today embody a core value of Kleeb's grassroots campaign: there's nothing wrong with Washington that the values, energy and ideas of the people of Nebraska can't fix.