by Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District
Putting Missouri’s Military Communities First
Here in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, our military bases and surrounding communities are more than just strategic assets—they are family, neighbors, and part of our economy. Whiteman Air Force Base, Fort Leonard Wood, and the National Guard units across Missouri need leaders who fight for their missions and for the men and women who serve. That’s not a side issue for me—it’s a top priority.
My Opponent’s Record: Committees, but No Action
Mark “Awful” Alford sits on the Appropriations and Small Business Committees. Those positions give him a seat at the table to advocate for our military installations and for Missouri veterans. But look at his record: no major proposals to strengthen Whiteman’s B-2 mission, no concrete efforts to support training and modernization at Fort Leonard Wood, and no legislation to expand healthcare or transition services for veterans in our district. Instead, he treats these committee assignments like titles for his résumé, not tools to serve Missouri.
My Priorities: Real Support for Military Families and Veterans
When I’m elected as your congressman, I will use every lever of federal support to strengthen Missouri’s military communities. That means:
- Protecting Base Missions: Working closely with Department of Defense leaders to ensure Whiteman and Fort Leonard Wood keep critical missions and funding, preventing any base realignment or cuts that could harm our communities.
- Veteran Healthcare and Services: Expanding access to VA clinics, urgent care partnerships, and mental health programs so our veterans don’t wait months for care or drive hours to get the help they need.
- Military Family Support: Securing housing, childcare, and spousal employment programs to reduce the strain on families stationed in Missouri.
- Infrastructure for Base Communities: Pushing for federal grants that improve roads, schools, and broadband in base towns so local communities benefit alongside the installations.
Missouri Deserves More Than Empty Titles
Service members and veterans don’t need photo-ops—they need action. They need someone in Washington who will fight to make sure their missions are secure, their families are supported, and their service is honored. While my opponent enjoys the prestige of committee assignments without delivering results, I will prioritize Missouri’s military bases and veteran communities every single day.
When I’m elected, I’ll stand with our bases, our service members, and every veteran who calls Missouri home. Because supporting our military isn’t just good politics—it’s the right thing to do.