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I had a great time at the Texas GOP State Convention last week. The response that I recieved was overwhelming. I want to thank the convention for the invite and everyone that took time to stop by and see me. Most of all I want to thank my family and friends. I couldn’t do this without yall. Thanks for all the calls and text wishing me luck. I actually had two wonderful lady’s come into my booth and pray for me. What a special feeling that was.
We are starting to work on dates for me to go speak and visit with groups all over the state. Once we start getting those in I will let you know. ... See MoreSee Less

I made it to San Antonio for the Texas State GOP Convention. I must say, I was a little overwhelmed walking in to set up. It’s showtime tomorrow. Wish me luck and prayers are welcome. ... See MoreSee Less

We had a good turnout tonight in Brady. I would like to thank the Heart of Texas Republicans for the invite. We met a lot of good people, and look forward to meeting more. ... See MoreSee Less

This past week I was contacted by TJ Weeks with the Hill Country Veterans Alliance. TJ’s main concern was to talk about the suicide rate of Veterans and how we can stop it. Being a supporter of our military and veterans I said absolutely. I really had no idea what I was in for and to say that I was shocked and disappointed in my government would be an understatement.
Let me back up a little bit. Our band has always played for the HCVA Soldiers dinner every year and always loved doing it. This past year while we were setting up, I heard TJ say something just before the prayer and it was something that hit me pretty hard and was hoping I just misunderstood what he said. He said that twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day and was trying to make everyone aware of it and help to stop it. Twenty-two veterans a day! I said to myself that can’t be right and started looking into it. Sadly, it is very true and to make it worse, the 22 in on the low side. Its actually about 35-49 suicides a day.
So yesterday I showed up in Goldthwaite, Texas with really no idea what to expect and why me? I am a nobody running for office against a giant just trying to make a difference in my country and help make it great again. So, I walk in, and TJ was doing a veteran hunt and there’s a pig just pulled off a smoker, veterans laughing and cutting up with each other. TJ sees me and introduces me to everyone and said Rennie is running for the US Senate and wants to know how we feel about the VA and why the suicide rate is so high. The room immediately turned silent and there was no more laughing and joking.
For almost three hours all I did was listen to story after story and did very little talking myself. As I listened, I tried to look each veteran in the eyes and what I saw in their eyes said more than what some were saying at times. What I saw in their eyes was neglect and a feeling of being unappreciated or that’s the way I felt anyway. These people VOLUNTEERED to protect our country and have gone through things that we can’t even begin to imagine. When they come home or need help, they shouldn’t have to wait to see someone for help whether it be physically or mentally. One veteran told me just to have someone to talk to means the world. He said, “I’m not looking for answers, I just want to talk”. I heard about opening the box and sometimes needing help to close it. I met a veteran that went from a pistol in his mouth to being a paster because he decided to call another veteran for help instead of pulling the trigger. Veterans committing suicide in the VA parking lot because they are tired of waiting for help. I heard things I will never forget.
Here are just a few things they said they would like to see done and I don’t think it's too much to ask and really can’t believe it hasn’t been done yet.

1. They would like military doctors and nurses to help them. People that can relate to them and know what they have been through.
2. Reduce the wait times to get help.
3. More communication on where you can go for help and veteran organizations around the state that are there to help and be a part of.
4. Have places in the rural areas of the state to go get help not just the big cities.
5. Last but not least, quit making it so hard to get help. Some just quit trying because it's too hard to get help.

My number one thing I talk about at my campaign events is putting America first and stopping our wasteful spending. There is no reason why we can’t train our military to do these VA jobs and give them the pay needed to keep them. When I say put the American people first, I mean it and I think we need to start with our Veterans. Let’s stop the wasteful spending, keep our tax dollars here at home and take care of our own first.
There are numerous veteran organizations throughout the state. Please help spread the word that there is help out there. This is a problem we can fix. Thank you, TJ and Kris, for having me and if there are any other Veteran organizations out there that would like for me to come talk or listen, I’m only a phone call, text or email away.
My email is rennie@rennieforussenate.com and my cell number is (325)205-0090 ... See MoreSee Less