Considering the host of legislative concerns that state legislators must regularly address, it is beneficial to call upon the expertise of those who have experience in those various topics.
With regard to state Rep. Pat Conway, D-St. Joseph, time spent as a soldier during the Vietnam War provides a unique outlook on issues important to the state's military community.
Growing up in the St. Joseph area, Conway grew up hearing stories of his father's service during the First World War.
"He instilled in me the ideals that if you were called on to serve, you did so," Conway said.
This ideal would soon find root in reality when- in 1968 Conway received the all-too-familiar draft board notice after completing his third year of college.