Honoring our military heroes

This week, we joined the Elmwood community to honor the life of Marine Corporal Benjamin Desilets, who was killed serving our country in Iraq. I was proud to work in Congress to pass legislation to rename the Elmwood Post Office in his honor. Renaming the Elmwood Post Office is a small but important gesture that serves as a humble reminder of his service in defense of our freedom.

Corporal Desilets served two tours in Iraq. On May 22, 2007, 21-year-old Corporal Desilets was driving the lead vehicle returning from a mission in the dark of the night where he was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. We live in the greatest country in the world because of men and women like Corporal Desilets and we will forever be grateful for his service and sacrifice. I want to thank his mom, Brenda, his family, the USPS, and the entire Elmwood community for joining us this week for the dedication ceremony.

Read more: 25 WEEK: Elmwood renames its post office to honor fallen hometown hero

On Saturday, we recognized Armed Forces Day. On Armed Forces Day, we honor the military members who defend our freedoms at home and abroad.

Thank you to every military member who has answered the call to serve our country.

Celebrating National Police Week

This week, during National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who protect our communities, especially those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Thank you for keeping us safe. We are grateful for your service.

To recognize National Police Week, I joined Congressman Mike Bost to introduce the David Dorn Thin Blue Line Retention Act, which would raise police salaries and hire more officers. As a state and federal prosecutor, I spent countless hours with law enforcement officials who do heroic work, day-in-and-day-out, to protect and serve our communities in central and west-central Illinois. It’s disappointing that some politicians and big-city mayors have sought to undermine the ability of our law enforcement to serve their communities. I am proud to introduce this bill again because I see firsthand the sacrifices the men and women who button up the blue uniform make to keep Illinoisans safe. To Illinois police officers: I support you and will always have your back in Congress.

Learn more: LaHood, Bost Introduce Bill to Raise Police Salaries, Hire More Police Officers

Opening a new office in Winnebago County

I was proud to announce this week that I have opened a new constituent service office in Rockford with State Senator Dave Syverson. One of my top priorities as a Member of Congress is providing high-quality constituent services for 16th District residents. The 16th District Constituent Service Office in Winnebago County will provide northern Illinois residents with a key resource to receive assistance with the federal government and support our outreach efforts. I am proud to partner with State Senator Syverson to ensure that our constituents get the support they need in Washington and Springfield.

Learn more: LaHood and Syverson Announce the Opening of Rockford District Office

16th District Art Competition Awards

It was great to see so many students from IL16 participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. I hosted our annual Art Competition Reception in Rockford recently to recognize these incredible students. Congratulations to all of our award recipients, particularly to the winner Brooklyn Smith from IVC and her winning piece 'Love Bears.’

Learn more: Rep. LaHood Announces 16th Congressional District Art Competition Winners

Visiting with 16th District constituents

Enjoyed visiting Construction on the Mall this week! I stopped by to see the folks from John Deere and learn about some of their American-made construction equipment. I appreciate all John Deere does to support jobs, economic opportunity, agriculture, and construction in Illinois.

I met with Daniel Mennenoh and Mary Schuster, professionals in land title and property insurance from Galena. We discussed housing issues in northwestern Illinois, rural broadband access in the region, and protecting property rights.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Pontiac FFA in Livingston County is helping shape and educate the next generation of Illinois farmers and ag producers. I visited with students in the program and checked in on the incredible work they do in agriculture.

Thanks for having me!

As always, thanks for subscribing to my newsletter!

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress