South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly discussed the services his office can provide for veterans at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend.

“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service to our country,” said Donnelly. “They put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, and there is no way we can truly thank them enough for that.  I’m pleased my office has been able to work with many constituents to solve veterans-related problems, and I hope that others will contact us if we can help.”

Three constituents who have worked with Congressman Donnelly’s office to solve veterans-related problems spoke about their experience.

Bob Holke of Granger worked with Donnelly’s office to receive the military service medals that his late father, Helmuth Holke, earned while serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II aboard the USS Mississippi.  Bob Holke’s wife, Julia Holke, also worked with Congressman Donnelly’s office to successfully receive the WWII medals her father, Robert Wagner, earned.

David Pendzinski of Granger worked with Donnelly’s office to receive the retroactive disability compensation he had earned while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.  An error resulted in Pendzinski receiving a lower compensation rate for over 10 years, and Congressman Donnelly’s office helped to correct this error.

Cindi Petty of South Bend, the widow of Keith Petty, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army, worked with Donnelly’s office to receive the benefits that Keith earned.  When Keith passed away, his claim for service connected disability was still pending.  After Donnelly’s office assisted, Cindi received a retroactive payment of Keith’s service connected disability, her survivor’s benefits, and the death and burial benefits Keith had earned.

Congressman Donnelly encourages veterans and their families to contact his office for help at (574) 288-2780 or by visiting Donnelly.house.gov/services/veterans.html.

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