Ben Mohon wanted to get some information about what is going on in Washington, D.C., so he went to a “Congress in Your County” event hosted by U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., on Wednesday at the Warren County Cooperative Extension Office.

“I want to see what the staff did and what services were offered,” he said. “I think he does a great job in Washington.”

Guthrie is traveling to each of the 21 counties in the 2nd District so people can see what services his office can provide, discuss various aspects of his Washington and district offices and give people an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns. 

“We just wanted to be with the public and meet our constituents,” said Kim Halter, Guthrie’s director of constituent services.

By the end of the one-hour informal event, Guthrie had heard about a variety of topics including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Veterans Administration.

“We had discussions about issues and answered questions about policies and let people know we’re here as a resource,” Guthrie said. “People deal with the federal government quite a bit. Every county has its own flavor.”

He wasn’t there to discuss politics, though, Guthrie said.

“It’s more of a public service, not political,” he said.

Christy L’Heureux, Alzheimer’s Association advocate ambassador and link between Guthrie and the organization, said she stays in touch with Guthrie about important legislation involving people with Alzheimer’s disease.

“He’s a great champion for the Alzheimer’s Association and people with Alzheimer’s,” she said.

L’Heureux has been bringing the Hope for Alzheimer’s Act to Guthrie for several years, she said. Care planning would not only improve outcomes for the individual and help manage other conditions, but it could also save the federal government money, according to information from the Alzheimer’s Association.

“This will help doctors come up with a care plan and help with a financial plan,” she said. “It will give families more resources to help with any kind of medical plan.”

Most of the House has signed on as sponsors, L’Heureux said. Now the Alzheimer’s Association is waiting for two senators in Kentucky.

“We urge constituents to do research,” she said. “If we don’t push through by November we’ll have to start all over again.”

Dave Coldwell is a “staunch supporter” of Guthrie because he helped him continue the process of getting his Third Class Medical Certificate that he needs for the Federal Aviation Administration to issue his pilots license.

“I had open heart surgery in February of 2014 at The Medical Center. The problem with obtaining a Third Class Medical Certificate is that if you have ever had any special medical problems, such as being diagnosed with sleep apnea, heart by-pass or many other medical problems, the FAA directives have said that every year each pilot with these health concerns – no matter what your regular doctor says – must apply for a special Issuance Medical Certificate,” the Bowling Green man said. “This prevents many pilots from flying because all documentation about your medical condition must be sent to the FAA home office every year, and it can take months to get an answer back from the FAA. While any pilot is waiting to hear back from the FAA, they can’t fly at all.”

Coldwell heard about a bill called the Pilots Bill of Rights 2, which helps many pilots get back to flying if they have issues getting their medical certificates issued. He contacted Guthrie’s office and asked for support. Guthrie signed on as a co-sponsor. The Senate passed the Bill and it was passed on to the House of Representatives for consideration. In mid-summer, the bill was added onto the FAA Re-authorization Bill and passed in the House of Representatives on July 6. On July 15, President Barack Obama signed it into law.

While Coldwell is getting help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to get his certificate, he believes Guthrie is “doing a great job as our representative in Washington, D.C. …

“I have been very impressed with Congressman Brett Guthrie and am a loyal supporter of his work,” he said.

– Follow features reporter Alyssa Harvey on Twitter @bgdnfeatures or visit bgdailynews.com.