Many of us celebrated Father’s Day last weekend, whether it was by sharing a meal, having a BBQ, or spending a day on the lake, it was undoubtedly a day well spent. This celebration reminds us of the profound impact fathers have on our lives and the essential role they play in shaping our families and communities. Fatherhood is a divine vocation, demanding love, dedication, and sacrifice. Fathers are pillars of strength, providers of wisdom, and bearers of faith, guiding their children through life’s challenges and teaching them the values essential for a life of virtue and integrity. As a father of three and a grandfather of seven, I have been blessed to witness the incredible joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of a loving family. It’s within our families that we find our greatest support and create our most cherished memories.

In our increasingly busy and fragmented world, cherishing and nurturing our family bonds is more important than ever. Family values are the foundation of a strong, cohesive community. They instill in us principles of love, respect, and responsibility, guiding us through life’s challenges and triumphs. In the Third District, we are fortunate to witness numerous examples of families embodying these values every day.

Just last week, I met with the Hayes family to congratulate their son, John, on winning the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Hearing about John’s dedication to service through Scouts, public service, and helping others, it was clear that these values were deeply ingrained in his upbringing. John’s mother, Amanda, summed it up best by saying, “Service has always been second nature for our family.” Known for their dedication to service, the Hayes family is deeply entwined in their community at the lake.

In speaking with John, I learned he has big dreams of becoming a pilot and has a clear passion for helping his peers. Not only has John spent numerous summers away at camp counseling younger scouts but had the brilliant idea of creating a hands-free hand wash station during the pandemic to keep his peers safe. In short, I was endlessly impressed by such a young member of our community dedicating so much time and effort to his peers out of the kindness of his heart. The Hayes family’s commitment to helping others has not only strengthened their family bond but also inspired many in our community to give back.

Like the Hayes Family, many incredible families in the Third District use their tight-knit bonds to strengthen our community. You can see this walking down our streets, and in our small businesses. I encourage everyone to get involved, whether through the Chamber of Commerce, Scouts, volunteering, or other community organizations. Because of people like you, we can continue to build a supportive and vibrant community, inspiring the next generation to lead with compassion and commitment.

CONTACT US: I encourage you to visit my official website or call my offices in Jefferson City (573-635-7232) or Cottleville (636-327-7055) with your questions and concerns. If you want even greater access to what I am working on, please visit my YouTube site, Facebook page, and keep up-to-date with Twitter and Instagram.