Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First District Representative Tim Walz spent the noon hour Monday in an informal meeting with area veterans at the American Legion Post 56 clubrooms in Albert Lea.

The two members of Congress made this joint appearance before about 30 veterans and members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. And in their short speeches, the two discussed various aspects of health care and other benefits for members of the armed forces and those veterans who have served the nation in prior years.

Walz is a retired command sergeant major who served in the Army National Guard. He takes pride in being the highest ranking enlisted member of the armed forces to ever serve in Congress.

“Your voice is being heard on health care and benefits. We’re on the edge of changes for veterans,” Walz told the group.

The congressman said more work has to be done to coordinate records between the military services and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records.

“We’re working on a bill to provide more services for veterans in rural areas. There are ways the government can cut waste, but not at the expense of our veterans,” Walz said.

He said Sen. Klobuchar is a strong voice and advocate for veterans.

She said she’s working with other senators on a nonpartisan basis to make changes with both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare.

“Health care will be our number “Health care will be our number one agenda in Congress,” she declared.

Klobuchar and Walz answered several questions asked by veterans attending this meeting.

Walz is running against Republicans Brian Davis and Dick Day.

Also attending the noon-time event was state Rep. Robin Brown.