EC From DC - July 6th, 2012

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They are state of the art. They will provide a safe and healthy environment for thousands of local adults and children. They will bring together multiple cultures – for the purpose of enjoying physical activity and bringing a community closer together. I am talking about the recent ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the new athletic fields at 9th and Van Brunt.

Music, celebration and, of course, lots of soccer marked this historic event. All ages attended. From grandparents to toddlers, everyone enjoyed the significance of what this represents. There are more than 50 languages and cultures represented in the Northeast community. The common denominator is the love of soccer. And this will give an estimated 25,000 local residents a place to meet, play and make new friends.

This was an effort that has been years in the making. I am honored that I was able to secure almost $2.6 million to help fund the 12.4 acre Northeast treasure. But it was a community effort. Great things always are. Along with artificial and natural turf fields, there is an amphitheater, a walking trail and a paved parking lot. Some called the area before this magnificent transformation, a wasteland. Not any longer.

I don't believe there are soccer fields anywhere in the country that look any better, nicer or cleaner than these. Standing there and watching all of the smiling children run onto the fields brought that message home better than words could ever do.

I got the great opportunity to meet with many residents from the Marshall area this week to tour facilities and discuss agricultural issues. There are many concerns that must be addressed immediately. We discussed numerous concerns surrounding farm safety net programs, crop insurance and dairy, disaster, nutrition and conservation programs. I look forward to writing more about this in the weeks to come as I work to protect the interests of these hard-working men and women.

The latest unemployment numbers are reason for hope but stark evidence that there is still much work to be done. Job retention and creation remains a top priority of mine – each and every day. For the 28th consecutive month there has been job growth in the private sector. That means over the past two years approximately 4.4 million new private sector jobs have been created. Last month alone, according to the Department of Labor, businesses added 84,000 new employees. Still, though, the national unemployment rate stands at a very disappointing 8.2 percent.

I remain focused on spurring economic growth, refusing to play politics instead of addressing the needs of my constituents, and protecting the middle class. Congress must work together to help families who are struggling and put people back to work.

Honoring veterans is something I always look forward to doing, in any and all ways possible. The sacrifices they have made for all of us are nothing short of astounding. That's why this past Saturday was especially memorable for me, as I was able to surprise a local Marine Corps Veteran and lifetime Sugar Creek resident. Mr. Alex Petrovic had lost his honorable discharge papers and certification of service. He has spent a lifetime serving others, not only in the Marines, but also as a former Eastern Jackson County Judge and Missouri State Representative. It was a true honor for me to be able to present him with a replica of those lost items. His service, as well as that of so many others in the Fifth District, is truly a testament to his commitment, his dedication and his heart.

I am pleased to let you know about a Department of Veterans Affairs campaign. It is called "Coaching into Care". The goal is to provide help to loved ones who are hoping to encourage their veteran to get assistance in readjusting, and with mental and physical health issues. As you know, I joined VA Secretary Eric Shinseki when he came to Kansas City recently. At that time we spoke about our commitment to devoting more resources to mental health services. This is another effort in that area. The "Coaching into Care" program offers free coaching to callers, provides resource information, and suggestions on approaches to tackle specific problems.

For more information – you can call toll-free at 1-800-823-7458, from 7:00AM-7:00PM, Monday-Friday. You can also go online: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/

Once I was told by a friend associated with the Kansas City Chiefs football organization that a well known and class-A player was picked up by my home town team. When the new Chief arrived in Kansas City, he first met with one of the veteran players. The new player's first question was, "Are the players here easy to get along with?" The Vet quickly responded, "Were the players on your previous team easy to get along with?"

"For sure," said the new player. "Well," said the old pro, "the players on this team are easy to get along with." His point was clear. It's often the expectations of the individual that shape one's views of other people.

All too often we come to Congress with preconceived notions and rash generalities about people on the "other side." Judging others often obstructs respecting others. The reality is thus: we will find that Members of Congress – and others in our lives -- are what we wish to find.