WAITE PARK, Minn. – Congressman Jim Hagedorn, who died last week, was heralded by the state American Legion commander as a hero for veterans. Tom Fernlund, of the Legion, said that Hagedorn had sponsored a law to make health care available to vets in small towns and rural areas beyond major hospitals and clinics. Hagedorn also co-sponsored a bill for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins, Fernlund said. Also, he said, Hagedorn co-sponsored a law pairing service dogs with veterans suffering post-traumatic disabilities. Most recently, Fernlund, said, the congressman Hagedorn was pushing the Pentagon to protect the mission of the 133rd Airlift Wing and its C-130s at Minneapolis. Hagedorn also was working to expand G.I. Bill-eligibility to MSU-Mankato’s aviation School, he said.
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Fernlund. Eulogizes Hagedorn as champion for vet causes.