Rep. Smucker: “Here to Serve Veterans Who Served Our Nation”

Lancaster, PA-Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and his office are available to assist veterans who selflessly served our nation. Assisting constituents, including area veterans, with issues they are experiencing with a federal department or agency is a top priority for Rep. Smucker.

Since taking office in 2017, Rep. Smucker's office has assisted over 14,000 individuals returning more than $52,000,000 to constituents in the form of released tax refunds, processed Social Security payments and paid veterans' benefits.

"It is an honor to serve the residents of Pennsylvania's 11^th Congressional District. One of the most important things I do as a Member of Congress, is help constituents work through government bureaucracy, intervening on a person's behalf to answer questions, find solutions, or just cutting through the red tape. I particularly appreciate the opportunity to serve our communities' veterans who selflessly served our nation. I urge all constituents to contact our offices if we may be of assistance with any federal department or agency," said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

Rep. Smucker's office can assist veterans with access to the benefits they are entitled to from the Department of Veterans Affairs and access their military and medical records. Rep. Smucker's office recently assisted Vietnam War veteran Galen Hoover of Denver.

Hoover served our nation during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy enlisting after graduating from high school. Hoover kept with the family tradition, as seven of his brothers also served in the United States Armed Forces (one in the Army and the other six in the Navy). He served aboard the USS Escapebefore being reassigned Riverine Interdiction Division 40 and 45, where he served as an advisor aboard river patrol vessels. During his service, Hoover was injured in the line of duty, earning the Purple Heart.

Rep. Smucker's office worked with the National Personnel Records Center to provide Mr. Hoover with a copy of his service record and with the United States Navy to issue the military service medals he earned, including: the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V" insignia, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Navy Pistol and Rifle Expert awards.

Rep. Smucker presented the awards and a copy of Mr. Hoover's service record to his wife Jonni and daughter Shannon during a recent meeting in his Lancaster District Office.

"Galen and I are incredibly thankful for the wonderful work of Congressman Smucker and his team. They have been personable, knowledgeable, and proactive in helping Galen recover his missing medals and much-needed service records during this difficult time. Veterans affairs are a critical issue in our great nation, and we encourage other veterans and families in PA-11 to reach out to Congressman Smucker's office for resources or support on veteran's issues," said Jonni Hoover.

"I want to thank Mr. Galen Hoover for his service in the United States Navy. May we all continue to honor those who served and their commitment to defending the freedoms we enjoy," said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

Constituents seeking assistance with any federal department or agency can contact Rep. Smucker's Lancaster district office at 717-393-0667 or by visiting his website at Smucker.House.Gov.

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