Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-1) spent this week’s district work period meeting with veteran organizations, presenting the veteran of the month, visiting the Tulsa VA outpatient clinic under construction, met with industry leaders in aerospace, engaged in a virtual town hall with the Oklahoma Association of Realtors, and spoke to various local organizations about issues he’s working on in Washington D.C..

“I’m always happy to be home,” said Rep. Hern. “Congress should be in session right now, working on further COVID-19 relief for the American people, but I can’t control that. What I can control is how I represent my district and how well I understand the issues that Oklahoma’s 1^st District is experiencing. I have a solemn responsibility to reflect the views and wishes of my constituents, and I can’t do that from the couch or from the golf course. I have to meet people where they are, understand their needs, and deliver on my promises.”

REP. HERN RECESS HIGHLIGHTS:

Tulsa VA Outpatient Clinic

I toured the construction site of what will be a state-of-the-art VA outpatient clinic in Tulsa, that is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare for our Tulsa-area veterans. This 170,000-square-foot health care center will consolidate important services under one roof for a one-stop-shop experience that delivers the highest quality of care for our deserving veterans. The clinic will provide a myriad of dental, mental health, and outpatient services that will strive to meet the needs of every veteran they serve and set a standard for excellence. I’m excited to see this significant project take shape and am happy to know the good it will do for our great veterans.

Oklahoma Veterans Alliance

The Oklahoma Veterans Alliance serves as a voice for our great veterans across our state. I was grateful for the opportunity to join their monthly meeting and receive an update on all the work that is being accomplished to empower and support those who put everything on the line to support us, the American people.

Veteran of the Month

I was proud to award Major Rob Miller as the August Veteran of the Month. Major Miller honorably served our nation from 1983-1995.  Major Miller is a combat veteran who served during Operation Desert Storm.  Upon returning home from service, Major Miller followed his passion for service and has dedicated his life to public education, where he serves as the Superintendent of Bixby Public Schools.  

BizJet International Tour

Aerospace is one of the top industries in Oklahoma. With over 1,100 aerospace entities and five military installations, over 120,000 Oklahomans are employed in these excellent jobs. As our economy continues to regain momentum, I am excited to see continued growth in this sector. BizJet International was established in Tulsa in 1986 and has emerged as an industry leader in the field of engine maintenance. As a pilot myself, I enjoy seeing firsthand how Oklahomans in aerospace continue to punch above their weight and out-innovate the competition.

Virtual Town Hall with the Oklahoma Association of Realtors

The Oklahoma Association of Realtors asked me if I would participate in one of their legislative meetings, and of course, I was happy to! I was able to share what I’ve been working on with respect to fair housing, broadband infrastructure, NFIB reform, and CARES Act 2 funding, designed to help our economy recover from COVID-19. Fielding these policy questions are important as we grapple with how to safeguard the housing market during this COVID-19 crisis, and I will always strive to respond with policy based in facts.

Young Businessmen of Tulsa & Tulsa Women’s Fellowship Group

I was thankful for the opportunity to speak to the Young Businessmen of Tulsa (YBT) and the Tulsa Women's Fellowship - TWF, to provide some insights on the economy and the ongoing CARES Act 2 negotiations. With there being so much information and speculation about what the future holds, it is important for Representatives to communicate the facts directly to their constituents.

The Liberty Center

I was given the opportunity to speak at the Liberty Center of Tulsa, to share something that I am deeply passionate about, faith-based business principles and the American Dream. I am living proof that the American Dream is still attainable and that your unique American Dream is waiting for you. So dream big, work hard and keep the priorities straight. In doing these things, you may find that you have developed your own secret sauce for success.

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