Honoring Idaho’s Veterans: Real Support, Not Empty Promises

By Kenneth F. Brungardt

When I sat across the table from a group of Idaho veterans at a recent community roundtable, one gentleman looked me in the eye and said, “We kept our promise to this country. We just want our country to keep its promise to us.”

That hit me hard. Because he’s right—and he’s not alone.
Idaho’s veterans served with honor. They put their lives on the line for our freedom. And now, far too many of them are navigating a broken system just to get the care, respect, and dignity they were promised.

What I Heard from Our Heroes

I didn’t show up to talk—I showed up to listen. And what I heard were stories of resilience—and frustration.

• Veterans waiting months for appointments at the VA.
• Retirees struggling to afford both medication and groceries.
• Young servicemembers transitioning to civilian life without proper job support.
• Widows of veterans left without the guidance or help they need.

This isn’t just an oversight—it’s a breach of trust. And I intend to fix it.

My Commitment: Respect. Reform. Results.

Here’s how I plan to honor our veterans—not just in words, but through action:

Protect Social Security & Medicare

These aren’t “entitlements”—they’re earned benefits. I will never support efforts to privatize or weaken Social Security or Medicare. Not now. Not ever.

Improve Veteran Healthcare Access

• Expand rural access to VA services and allow greater use of private care when needed.
• Cut wait times and streamline care coordination.
• Invest in mobile clinics for veterans in remote areas.

Expand Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

• Support expanded funding for PTSD counseling and addiction recovery programs.
• Provide additional training and resources for first responders and community support groups.

Support Career Transitions

• Connect veterans with apprenticeships, trades, and tech jobs.
• Provide federal incentives for businesses that hire and mentor veterans.
• Fund more entrepreneurship grants and small business loans for veterans.

Because Our Veterans Deserve Better

These aren’t talking points—they’re promises. And unlike many in Washington, I don’t make promises I can’t keep.

Idaho’s veterans represent the best of who we are. They fought for us. Now it’s our turn to fight for them.

If elected, I will dedicate myself to building a government that honors service—not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

Let’s do right by the people who’ve given this country everything.