Dear John,

In this week's newsletter, my United States Service Academy open house, establishing National Home Visiting Week, and my stops around Illinois' 16th District. If you need help with federal agencies, please reach out to one of my offices listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

Hosting a Service Academy Night in Machesney Park

One of my greatest privileges I have is nominating exceptional students to our nation’s prestigious military service academies.

I was happy to host a Service Academy open house at the Illinois National Guard Armory in Machesney Park for interested students and parents to learn more about the process. I look forward to their bright futures!

Visiting Thermo Fisher

It was great to witness Thermo Fisher’s commitment to innovation at their Rockford research and manufacturing site.   

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with employees about public policy that will help them continue their impactful work.   

Congratulations to Thermo Fisher on their 75th anniversary!

Establishing National Home Visiting Week

Home visiting programs are critical to outcomes for new parents, babies, and families.

I was proud to introduce a resolution to designate last week as National Home Visiting Week. It is critical for Congress to recognize the value of these programs and honor the dedicated work of home visitors who help Illinois families thrive.

My Meeting at Center for Youth and Family Solutions

The Center for Youth and Family Solutions does phenomenal work to serve the most vulnerable in our communities across central Illinois.

It was great to meet with their new CEO and staff in Peoria to discuss their priorities and my work to support their mission through legislation like the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act.

Touring Leatherhead Tools

I enjoyed visiting Leatherhead Tools in Rockford to get a firsthand look at the high-quality products they make to support first responders in Illinois and across the country.

I appreciate Dan O’Boyle for taking the time to show me around and discuss the important work they do!

One More Thing: The Passing of Pope Francis

I was saddened to learn about the passing of Pope Francis on Monday.

Throughout his time in ministry and his historic tenure as Pope, he was committed to living a life of faith, compassion, and service to others. It was an honor to attend his joint address before Congress in 2015, the first Pope to do so.

I join the world in honoring his legacy, and ensuring that his memory lives on with Christians all over the world.

It is a privilege to serve the constituents of Illinois' 16th Congressional District. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to one of my offices if we can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress