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The Aiken Standard: Joe Wilson: I'm here to serve you

March 25, 2019
Op-eds

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE

I am humbled and inspired to serve you in Congress. Above all, I want to make sure you and your family know that the office and I are here to serve you.

First it is important to know we have three office locations. The Aiken/Barnwell office at 1930 University Parkway, Suite 1600, the Midlands office at 1700 Sunset Boulevard (US 378), Suite 1, in West Columbia, and a Washington, D.C. office at 1436 Longworth House Office Building. You are more than welcome to stop by and say hello during office hours.

You can call the Aiken/Barnwell office at (803) 642-6416 and the Midlands office at (803) 939-0041 with any of your federal casework needs. Additionally, you can call (202) 225-2452 to express your opinions on pending legislation or to let me know what is most important to you.

To be clear about what "casework" is, it is the office's way of coordinating with federal agencies. Many times, people feel they have been treated unfairly or not received an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion. This is where the office may be able to help. First, it is best to contact the office to get the process started. You can start by visiting the Congressional website at www.joewilson.house.gov and clicking the "SERVICES" tab and going to "HELP WITH A FEDERAL AGENCY".

The cases we often assist with include issues with Social Security and Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS difficulties, passport assistance, visas and immigration, the military, and issues with the United States Postal Service. A few things are important to note: you must be a resident of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, your issue must pertain to a federal agency (not local or state), the case must not be pending in the court system, and you must complete the Privacy Authorization Release form. If you have any questions about what qualifies as casework, please contact either the Aiken/Barnwell office or the Midlands office.

Every year, Congress participates in a nation-wide art competition. This is a unique opportunity for young artists to test their talents and potentially represent the Second District of South Carolina in the United States Capitol Building. This competition is open to 7th grade, 8th grade, and high school students to include public, private, and home school applicants. This year's artwork must be two dimensional. I am grateful to invite your family's participating in the Congressional Art Competition. The deadline for you to submit artwork is May 1, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. For more details, please visit the Congressional website at www.joewilson.house.gov.

Each office location offers Congressional Internships. This serves an incredible opportunity for students to get involved with public service or learn about the legislative process. As a former intern myself, I can speak to how important it is for the young generations to get this incredible work experience.

Another wonderful opportunity for our students is the chance to apply to a U.S. Service Academy. Each year, I have the privilege of nominating students to four of the service academies. You can review the guidelines at the Congressional website under the "SERVICES". It takes incredible bravery for a young woman or man to choose to apply to our U.S. Service Academies, and I commend each young leader for selecting to do so.

The office for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina is open to serve you. The office can provide many helpful resources, and I hope you will visit the website or contact our office to see how we can be helpful to you. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve you in Congress.

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