Gold Star Families Remembrance Week

Throughout the week of September 18-24th, we remember and honor the service members and their families who have sacrificed so much. We can never truly repay the loss that these families have endured, but we can express our gratitude for them and their loved ones who fought for our nation.

During this Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we honor the ongoing sacrifice Gold Star Families in Central Washington and across the country face every day. Below are several of these servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you for your service!

LCpl Caleb Powers

10/31/1982-8/17/2004

Lance Corporal Caleb Powers of Mansfield served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. LCpl Powers always wanted to be a Marine and was proud to serve his country, but he could not wait to go home to work on his family's wheat farm.

LCpl Powers' service to our country ended on August 17, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Capt. Harry G. Cramer

5/24/1926-10/21/1957

Capt. Cramer served in the Korean War and later led the first Special Forces team to deploy to Vietnam. He became the first US Army soldier to be killed in the Vietnam War in 1957 near Nha Trang.

Capt. Cramer is the father of LTC Hank Cramer, who currently serves as the Congressional Aide for Veterans and Gold Star Families in my office. LTC Hank Cramer served for 28 years in the Army and commanded a company in his father's old unit, 1st Special Forces Group. Thank you for your service!

LCpl Joe Jackson

12/26/1988-4/24/2011

Lance Corporal Jackson, a White Swan native and member of the Gila River Indian Community, served during Operation Enduring Freedom.

LCpl Jackson was a fourth-generation marine and was known for his determination, positivity, and how he motivated others. LCpl Jackson's service ended on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

SPC Jeremiah Schmunk

8/16/1983- 7/7/2004

SPC Schmunk served in Iraq, where he guarded Al Tuwaitha Nuclear Center (pictured), which some called Yellow Cake. His favorite duty was spending time with the local youth in the area.

SPC Schmunk is survived by his mother, Shirley Schmunk, who created and founded Time of Remembrance for Gold Star Families to find support and camaraderie within each other.

Mobile Office Hours

Mobile Office Hours are happening now! Hosted on a weekly basis by my staff, these hours are an excellent opportunity for constituents throughout Central Washington to get personal assistance with questions or issues related to federal agencies. Mobile Office Hours are open to the public, and no appointment is necessary.

Every Tuesday

Twisp

The Cove Food Bank, 206 S Glover St, Twisp

2:30 PM to 4:30 PM PST

Every Other Wednesday

Brewster

Brewster American Legion, 102 E Main, Brewster

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

Grand Coulee

Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber Of Commerce, 17 Midway Ave, Grand Coulee

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

Every Thursday

East Wenatchee

Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority, One Columbia Parkway, Suite A, East Wenatchee

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM PST

Okanogan

Okanogan USDA Service Building, 1251 2nd Ave S, Okanogan

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST

Tonasket

Tonasket City Hall Council Chambers, 209 S Whitcomb Ave, Tonasket

2:00 PM to 4:30 PM PST

Click Here To Find Full Schedule for Mobile Office Hours

Supporting American Manufacturers

This week, I met with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to discuss how Congress can increase American manufacturing competitiveness, remove unnecessary burdens, and increase workforce development.

We are facing a workforce crisis as well as losing our edge to foreign manufacturing companies. We must support American-made products and companies that in turn support a strong workforce.

Helping Central Washington Hospitals

There is a nationwide labor shortage, and Central Washington hospitals are not exempt from this crisis as they are struggling to find nurses to work in long-term care facilities. On top of a healthcare workforce crisis, hospitals across the state are facing financial problems and capacity concerns.

This week, I met with members from Columbia Basin Hospital to discuss the challenges they are facing and what Congress can do to better equip them with the tools they need. I will always support our hospitals and healthcare professionals who continue to keep us healthy and safe.

The Time for Agriculture Labor Reform is Now

We must fix our broken immigration system and combat the rising food costs every single American across the country is facing right now, and we must do it now. Agriculture producers across the country have been facing a labor shortage crisis for years, and recently, it's only gotten worse.

Securing Funding for Pangborn Memorial Airport

The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is getting $10 million in federal grant money to make safety improvements at Pangborn Airport. The grant was awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration, and secured by 4th District Rep. Dan Newhouse. Stacie de Mestre with the Port says they're expecting another grant to complete the project, which totals about $20 million.

Farmworker housing complex in Tieton wins award for use of low-income tax credit

An affordable housing development serving farmworker families in Tieton was recognized for its use of the low-income housing tax credit. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell presented the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award to the project Tuesday at the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition Conference in Washington, D.C., according to a news release.

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