Dear John,

Yesterday, I was joined by some of the Second District’s most dedicated public servants at my first annual Honoring Our Public Safety Champions event in Lakeville. I couldn't imagine a better time to do it as today is National First Responders Appreciation Day. I was honored to be joined by so many fantastic first responders like Brenda Voshalike. Brenda has served on the Cannon Falls Ambulance Service for 44 years! I was also joined by Firefighter Paul Burgett from the Eagan Fire Department. Paul was recently awarded the Minnesota American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award.

I was also joined by members of the Second District law enforcement community – including Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie and Katie Slifko, the wife of the late Cory Slifko, a former South St. Paul Police officer who died by completed suicide after experiencing service-connected PTSD. I worked closely with both Sheriff Leslie and Katie while fighting for the passage of the Public Safety Officer Support Act – which has since been signed into law and will help ensure that families like Katie’s will be able to access the benefits their loved ones earned.

It was a great event and I am happy to have seen so many members of our first responder community!

Here are some other highlights from this week: 

Catching up with my young constituents
4th graders at Diamond Path Elementary in Apple Valley asked me to drop by their classes some time to talk about what it’s like to be a U.S. Representative – and I was happy to do so this week!

Assisting veterans
Thomas Mitchell is a veteran in MN who, unfortunately, lost his service medals. His family contacted my office and we were able to work with the National Personnel Records Center to have them replaced. This week, we held a medaling ceremony in my office to honor his service.

Celebrating 14 years with my wife!
This week was the anniversary of my marriage to my wife, Cheryl! What a journey together, 14 years with the best wife, mother and grandmother.

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

Halloween is on Monday! Here’s a pic of my grandson Noah fresh from the pumpkin patch last weekend! From our family to yours, have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress