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Happy Veterans Day!

November 11th is a day of solemn gratitude, a day to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and stood watch over our freedoms. Veterans Day reminds us that the liberty we enjoy was secured not by words, but by the courage, sacrifice, and quiet strength of those willing to serve.

Across generations, millions of Americans have answered the call, ordinary people who did extraordinary things in defense of this country. They left behind families, friends, and comforts to stand guard in distant places, often in harm’s way, so that the rest of us could live in safety and peace.

As a veteran, I know firsthand the weight and honor of that service. I enlisted in the Army at 18-years old and had the honor of serving for 24-years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. The military instills values that never leave you, discipline, resilience, teamwork, and a deep sense of duty to something greater than yourself. Those values are carried by every man and woman who has worn the uniform.

Today, and every day, we must reaffirm our commitment to those who have served. As chair of the Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on Health, I have fought for strengthening accountability at the VA with the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, I have focused on bettering mental health services to help veterans and to prevent suicide with the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act , and I have prioritized mammograms for female veterans affected by toxic exposure through the SERVICE Act. 

In Congress, I will continue working to strengthen the VA, improve access to care, and ensure every veteran receives the respect and support they deserve, not as a favor, but as a promise kept.

To all who have served, thank you. Your courage and sacrifice safeguard the freedoms that define America. On this Veterans Day, may we remember not just your service, but the principles you fought to defend.

God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.

Representing Iowa's First District

Met with Iowa's new HHS Director Larry Johnson to discuss Healthy Hometowns, part of Iowa’s $592 million Rural Health Transformation Plan to strengthen rural healthcare access and innovation.

From expanding telehealth and behavioral care to recruiting and retaining top medical talent, this initiative will help ensure every Iowan, no matter where they live, can access high-quality healthcare close to home.

I’ll never forget what it meant to receive a care package from home when I was serving overseas, a small reminder that people back home were thinking of us.

I joined the Blue Star Moms of Iowa at Camp Dodge to pack boxes for every Iowan currently serving abroad. Each one carries a little piece of home and a big message of gratitude. 🇺🇸

I had the honor of interviewing Iowa’s nominees for our nation’s Military Academies.

These young men and women represent the very best of Iowa, hardworking, disciplined, and eager to serve their country. I’m proud of each of them and their commitment to leadership and service.

I was excited to join the Simon Conway show for a radio town hall. It was important to hear from my constituents and discuss tariffs, the government shutdown, and supporting farmers with markets.

Great meeting with my constituent Julie Humes of Donnellson, Iowa, a Flight Nurse with Air Evac Lifeteam and recipient of the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life award.

Julie was recognized for her heroic actions volunteering in hazardous ice conditions to help transport and save trauma victims after a severe car accident, all of whom survived thanks to her quick thinking and courage.

Congratulations, Julie, and thank you for your extraordinary service to Iowa!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

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