Brad Wenstrup

Bio: As an Army lieutenant colonel, physician, and representative for Ohio’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Brad Wenstrup has placed a high value on service throughout his entire life. Serving in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1998, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service as a combat surgeon in Iraq during 2005-2006. Currently, Dr. Wenstrup serves on the House Armed Services Committee, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Veterans’ Affairs Committee in Congress, and chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, where he works every day to support our military and our veterans. Additionally, Dr. Wenstrup, a practicing physician for over 25 years, serves as a member of the House Doctors Caucus, a group dedicated to implementing patient-centered health care reforms.

Since first being elected to Congress in 2012, Dr. Wenstrup’s highest priority has been to protect and defend our nation, the fundamental freedoms it was founded upon, and the men and women who fight for those freedoms. In addition to his work on behalf of national security and our veterans, Congressman Wenstrup is a champion for limited government, individual liberty, the free enterprise system, a responsible and  balanced budget, and above all else the American spirit of exceptionalism. Dr. Wenstrup lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Monica, and their son, Brad Jr.

Military Bio: When he was 39 years old, Brad Wenstrup dialed 1-800-USA-ARMY and joined the Army Reserve, receiving a direct commission as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Service Corps. Upon completion of the Officers Advanced Course in 2004, Dr. Wenstrup was promoted to the rank of major.

Wenstrup then deployed in 2005 with the US Army’s 344th Combat Support Hospital, Task Force 344, to Abu Ghraib, Iraq, where he served as the podiatrist, the Chief of Surgery, and the Director of the Wound Care Clinic. Dr. Wenstrup also served as the assistant to the Deputy Commander, Clinical Services (DCCS), equivalent to Chief of Staff, and served as the acting DCCS for three months during his twelve month tour.

The 344th was responsible for detainee healthcare throughout the Iraqi theater, with the heart of the mission taking place at Abu Ghraib Prison Hospital. The 344th also cared for Soldiers, Marines, and Iraqi civilians. In May 2006, at the end of his yearlong combat tour in Iraq, Brad was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, and numerous campaign medals for his service to his country.

In 2010, Wenstrup was promoted to lieutenant colonel and is currently assigned to the AMEDD Professional Management Command (APMC) with attachment to the 4220th in New York. During his time in Congress, Wenstrup fulfills his Reserve duties by serving at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.

Legislation

H.R. 474, the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP):

• The bill would clarify eligibility for homeless veterans across federal assistance programs.
• It also reauthorizes the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, a highly successful program that provides grants to homeless veteran providers for job training programs.
• R. 474 passed the House of Representatives on May 18, 2015.

H.R. 476, the GI Bill Quality Enhancement Act:

• Building on input from Economic Opportunity subcommittee hearings last Congress, this would reprioritize State Approving Agencies’ role to focus on educational program quality, and would ensure equitable standards across educational institutions.
• R. 476 passed the House as part of HR 3016, as amended.

H.R. 3016, the Veterans Employment, Education, and Health Care Improvement Act

• Expansion of the Fry Scholarship so more children and spouses are able to receive the benefit. The Fry Scholarship provides the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits of servicemembers who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, to their spouses or children.
• Allowing individuals using the Fry Scholarship to also receive the Yellow Ribbon Program
• Allowing time spent by service members on certain medical leave orders to count towards their Post 9/11 GI Bill eligibility
• Expansion of VA’s Work-Study program
• Elimination of the limit on home loans so more veterans will now be able to use the benefit
• Expansion of medical care for newborns of women who receive maternity care through VA
• Service dog training and handling for veterans suffering PTSD symptoms and other mental health issues
• Improvements to claims processing for GI Bill claims and Vocational Rehab claims
• R. 3016 passed the House on February 9, 2016.