Citizen-Soldier Legislators

by 2 nd Lt. Jamie Davis

The current War on Terror is not like wars fought in the past.  With the increasing dependence on Guard and reserve troops, it's also the soldiers themselves who are different.

However, all soldiers still face the same problems that every soldier and airman has faced before -- If you wear the uniform you need to be prepared to serve.

It's not just the 19-year-old college student that's deploying, nor is it the carpenter or the department store manager.  It also includes the men and women who help pass the laws and run the state of Iowa.

Four members of the Iowa legislature that also wear or have worn the uniform were contacted for this story -- Senators Chuck Larson and Steve Warnstadt, and Representatives Jodi Tymeson, and Dwayne Alons

Larson, from Cedar Rapids for the next 18 months will be stationed in an unspecified overseas location. He will be known as Maj. Larson, JAG officer, US Army Reserve.

For Larson, the biggest family issue was the fact that his wife's company was downsizing.  She stepped down so they could spend time together and start a family.  He was mobilized shortly thereafter.

While all soldiers have employment challenges upon activation, Larson faced a different dilemma.  In 2002, he was elected as a state senator, representing citizens of Linn County. Now, he was being asked to represent the US Army overseas.

He chose not to resign his seat, but instead approached both Democratic and Republican leaders in the Linn County district. They pledged their support to help care for his constituents in his absence.

“The Guard and Reserves play a critical role in the protection of the Iraqi people,” said Larson. “Ever since the downsizing of the Active Duty forces, the Guard and Reserve Components have been called upon to shoulder more of the load.  With public leaders support, I'll be able to serve while wearing the uniform.”

Brig. Gen. Tymeson is another public leader.  As Rep. Tymeson, she helped pass a number of legislative measures to better assist activated soldiers.

While legislation extended veteran's benefits, preferences and tax credits, Tymeson would like to see an increase in the appropriations bill.

“Our soldiers and airmen are well trained to do their job, but being away from family is a challenge and we want to do what we can to lessen the burden,” she said.

When asked about the uniqueness of being a legislator/soldier she replied, “It's all about service and as an American and an Iowan, I find they are both rewarding.”

Alons retired as a brigadier general from the Air National Guard and now serves as a state representative for District 4 .   He sees even more benefit changes looming in the current legislative session.

He would like to explore the possibility of raising military tuition assistance at the state level.  ”Right now it's at 50 percent and if you look at the surrounding states, it's much higher.”  He would like to see the state become more competitive. Such a move would enhance recruiting for the Iowa Guard.

Other legislation is geared toward creating a veterans trust fund.

One of the most challenging aspects of deployments is there's rarely a definitive length of time troops will be deployed.  “This creates a hardship for small business owners and such a trust fund would enable small business owners to receive low interest loans to help offset the loss of deploying soldiers.”

Alons feels being a legislator and having worn the uniform gives a good perspective to other legislators about what soldiers and airmen have to endure to support the constitution while protecting America's freedom.

“Folks that have served and are serving, form an informal caucus for the voice of the military for veteran's issues,” said Alons.

Warnstadt, of Sioux City, is a Major in the Iowa Army National Guard.  He is assigned as a military intelligence officer at the state headquarters. Although he's in a non-deployable position, he's working hard to see his constituents receive the benefits they deserve by passing legislation that will affect those that do deploy.

For Warnstadt, the biggest issue he sees facing employers is that businesses are concerned about a return date.  They would like a more accurate time frame as they try to manage their business and their employees.

As a senator, he says it'll be a tough challenge helping those employers with their concerns, but he wants to help.

“As a legislator and a soldier, it's all public service and it's a great honor to serve a mission-oriented purpose.  Wearing the uniform better allows me to understand my constituents and how to better serve them.  As a soldier I see where they're coming from,” said Warnstadt.

Iowa is fortunate to have several legislative members that also wear the uniform.  Not only do they understand the unique needs and challenges deployments present, they're also in a position to do something about it.

No one is exempt from shouldering the burden of protecting America's freedom.  Whether it's the soldier in the trenches, the airman turning wrenches, or the legislator at the State House — we all have an important role to play.