Happy Veterans Day, friend.

Last night, I hosted a roundtable with a handful of veterans to discuss how we can better serve and make Iowa a more welcoming place for veterans.

I want to thank Army Reservist Jeno Berta, Navy Veteran Ryan Zeskey, Admiral Mike Franken, and my mother, Belinda Creighton-Smith, for joining our discussion.
   

View the roundtable →

I come from a long line of veterans. Mom served in the Army Reserves, and my grandfather was in the Marines. They instilled in me the values of sacrifice and service to our communities and country -- part of why I ran for the state legislature in the first place and am now running for governor.

The main thing I heard last night was the need for better funding and support for service members and veterans. We shouldn't wait for them to ask for help -- we need to provide better mental and physical health care, adequate housing, and empower them in the workforce.

I'm excited to be running for governor to work with service members and veterans and make sure that we do right by them and their families.

Thanks,

Ras Smith

 

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