Summer has come to an end and fall is upon us in central and eastern Missouri. Along with it, we've seen relief from the heat, some beautiful sunrises and even a few extreme thunderstorms. For our corn and soybean farmers, this time of year means long hours in the field harvesting grain.
As October rolls along, I am continuing to tour Missouri's 3rd District and wanted to update you on some of the meetings I've had and the issues that are at the top of folks' minds right now.
Recently, I had the opportunity to take a tour and meet with the employees of Air Evac located in O'Fallon. Air Evac provides air ambulance services in Missouri and several surrounding states and it is among the leading providers of air medical transportation to rural communities.
In many parts of the 3rd District, families are more than an hour away from a trauma center and when time and distance are of the upmost importance, transportation via helicopter is the most efficient way for patients to receive critical and lifesaving medical care. It was eye opening to see firsthand the innovations that the Air Evac team is developing to continue to serve our fellow citizens.
While Air Evac was all about getting patients to treatment quickly, my meeting with the advocates from the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Wentzville was all about finding a cure through medical research. These meetings are very personal for me. Individuals are taking time out of their busy days and schedules to come advocate on behalf of themselves, loved ones, friends and neighbors.
The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is unknown and each individual case can result in unpredictable symptoms. Listening to the powerful, personal stories from the MS Society members and constituents suffering from other diseases has made me a strong advocate for funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, a program that conducts groundbreaking medical research to help cure diseases that impact military personnel and the general public.
In addition, these meetings have helped me understand how rehabilitation equipment and technology can help folks suffering from these diseases preserve their independence. That's why I am also supportive of legislation to ensure that complex rehabilitation technology, including manual and power wheelchairs, is treated as medically necessary.
I also want to highlight my recent trip to LMI Aerospace, located in St. Charles. LMI Aerospace designs and manufactures aerospace products for the military, as well as commercial aviation. The parts and systems made by the LMI team go into the F/A-18, F-22, and other military aircraft. LMI has been in business since 1948, and its dedicated workforce is a tremendous asset to our local area. Needless to say, I was very impressed by the work done at LMI.
As always, I learned a lot listening to everyone that I met and I look forward to more travels in the 3rd District in the coming days and weeks. It is an honor and privilege to represent my fellow Missourians in the U.S. House, and I look forward to seeing you or hearing from you soon.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.
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