This week I was incredibly honored to be asked to escort the President of the United States into the U.S. House Chamber to address a Joint Session of Congress and update American citizens on the strength of their country. I was amazed that in the moments just before walking in to give his speech to the country, President Trump leaned over to me and remarked how much he enjoyed spending time with Missourians over the past year and can’t wait to come back. We then walked onto the House Floor, and ... READ MORE
This week the United States laid to rest a president who served the country he loved in more capacities than could ever be expected of one man. We commemorated and celebrated the life of a war hero, Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President, and President of the United States. This week we said goodbye to President George H.W. Bush. Following the news of President Bush’s peaceful passing at the age of 94, Air Force One embarked on ‘Special Air Mission 41’ to carry President Bush’s ca... READ MORE
This Sunday, November 11th is the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which marks the official end of World War I. Today we call the anniversary celebration Veterans’ Day, but the meaning is the same – a day where our country expresses its sincere gratitude for everything our nation’s veterans have done to defend us at home and protect our way of life. Every veteran has sacrificed for you and me in one way or another. It’s not just the physical sacrifice they endure in a grueling bootcamp, a tou... READ MORE
Seventy-three years ago this week, Americans were eagerly waiting for the end of World War Two. It was a painful war for Missourians, especially those who fought on all fronts and at all levels of the military to secure an Allied victory. Our greatest generation answered the call to serve our country when she needed them most – and unfortunately some of our heroes are still waiting today for their proper recognition. In the darkest hours of the 1940s, Missourians banded together to win the war. ... READ MORE
Our nation owes a massive debt of gratitude to the veterans who have fought to protect our country and its freedoms. As I accompanied President Trump this week on Air Force One for his fourth trip to Missouri since becoming president, I saw how devoted he is to fight on their behalf so every veteran receives the best possible treatment upon returning home. I spent some quality time with the president and saw his deep love for both the state of Missouri and the men and women who have served in un... READ MORE
This Fourth of July, Americans all over the world will join together to celebrate our 242 years of independence. The freedoms we enjoy every day came at a great cost to many and are worthy of grand celebration and appreciation. As I think of the brave patriots who put it all on the line for us in 1776, I am proud and fortunate to be an American and humbled to represent the area in Missouri where seven generations of my family have called home. America’s hard fight for independence is an inspirin... READ MORE
Every year, I am honored to have the privilege of nominating outstanding young men and women from southern Missouri for appointment to our nation’s finest service academies. In the spring, I am overcome with emotion when calling many of the same students to tell them they have been admitted to one of our nation’s prestigious service academies. Earlier this spring I traveled to West Point and had the opportunity to visit with the cadets I have nominated in recent years and as well as other cadets... READ MORE
As a grateful nation, we pause this week to honor America’s veterans. These brave men and women leave family, friends, careers and the comforts of home to fight and defend our freedoms and values. They’ve fought for us; it is incredibly important to fight for them now. From servicemen like my uncle, who fought in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart, to those recently enlisted beginning their first tours of duty, we owe a debt of gratitude. I consider it a great honor to help our military heroes. W... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith joined veterans from Perryville to lead the flag exchange ceremony for Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial. Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial is a non-profit organization based in Perryville that is dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans. In March of 2017, the organization broke ground on a veteran’s memorial outside of Perryville that features a full-scale black granite replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C., as well as a welcome center, chapel ... READ MORE
Throughout our country's history our veterans and the patriots before them answered the call of duty and have valiantly fought to make America a place where personal liberties are celebrated and the rights bestowed to us upon the Constitution are forever protected and preserved. Veterans Day is our chance to express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform who thanklessly gave their time and often lives to protect a truly free nation. This week I visited seve... READ MORE