An update from Senator Fielder

The annual Patriotic Concert in Thompson Falls is such a special opportunity to gather with folks of all ages and all political persuasions to do one very positive thing together: honor our United States military service men and women.

I am happy to donate funds to help Redemption Ranch Fellowship of Christ sponsor this annual BBQ, veteran recognition program, and musical performance. In fact it was attendance at this event in 2012 that inspired me to pledge half of my legislative salary to good causes here in Senate District 7. It was an honor to be able to support the Tri-State Veterans Stand Down earlier this year as well.

This year as I moved along the receiving line at the Patriotic Picnic to thank each veteran for his service, I thought to myself how irrelevant it was whether the men I thanked were Democrat or Republican. The bottom line is they are Americans, and they stepped up and gave a big chunk of their life to serve our country. For that they deserve our respect and appreciation.

We should always remember that some never came home, and the ones that did were impacted for life by the experience. Whether they served in the worst of war time, on covert missions they will never get credit for, or in peace time operations, the fact is they committed a significant portion of their life to the service of our country.

Military service is not just a job, and it’s not just an adventure either. It is a commitment to place your life entirely into the hands of others for a period of years, to stand in harm’s way if need be, and to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

During this year’s tribute in Power Company Park, I had the honor of presenting a small gift to members of Thompson Falls VFW. It was a framed photo from last year’s event that captured the color guard standing at sharp attention, complete with flags and rifles held in a ceremonial stance. Musician Linda Lanier stood proudly in the middle of the uniformed men, and the scenic Clark Fork River shimmered in the background. Two state senators, myself and Senator Matt Rosendale, were kneeling down in front on the soft green grass.

As I presented the gift, I told the retired soldiers what I liked most about the photo is the fact that they are standing tall, and the senators are kneeling. “That’s how it should be”, I said. “You served our country, and we serve you.”

And that truly is the way I look at my duty as your elected representative. It is my job to serve the interests of the people the best I can, whether they are a veteran or not, a Democrat, Independent, Republican, Libertarian, Green, or none of the above.

To those of you who serve or served honorably in the U.S. Military, or lost a loved one in service to our nation: On behalf of all the good people of Senate District 7, you have our deepest thanks and sincerest sympathies for the hardships you endured. I hope we see more of you at next year’s events, including the Tri State Veterans Stand Down and the Patriotic Concert, so we can thank you in person!

For additional information on what I am up to, please connect with me at www.jenniferfielder.us, find me on facebook, email sen.jfielder@legmt.gov, or call 406 210 5944. Thank you and God Bless.