Get to know: Scot Pondelick, Democratic Primary Candidate for U.S. Representative District 6

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Scot Pondelick is an Iraq War veteran, veteran advocate, service dog trainer and is also hopeful for the U.S. Representative District 6 seat in Missouri.

Pondelick spent three tours in Iraq as a combat Explosive Ordinance Disposal Specialist. When he returned home, he took on many other responsibilities, including helping lead programs to get veterans the services he felt they deserved, while also helping train service dogs.

"I like helping people, and the problem with what I do is I like to do the one-on-one service if I can. But there's not enough of me to go around," Pondelick told KQ2. "There's not enough people to go around to help out everybody, and we need fundamental change when it comes to our programs right now."

The main issues he would like to focus on, if elected, are ending trade policies he believes are hurting farmers, defending rural hospitals at risk of closure and protecting veterans' benefits. He will face Josh Smead and Matt Levine in the Aug. 4 Primary Election for the Democratic spot in the General Election.

"There's a lot of great things that the VA does, a lot of them, but they are also some of the worst systems set up. Just trying to get basic benefits is challenging for a lot of people," Pondelick said. "I don't think it should be challenging. I think the VA should actually be set up to help veterans get their benefits that they've earned."

He believes his service to the country, service to veterans and time spent helping train service dogs that also assist veterans make him a strong candidate to become the next U.S. Congressman from Missouri's 6th District.

"I really believe that we need to effect meaningful change to actually help out people. I believe government should be the baseline standard of service," Pondelick said.

During the Aug. 4 Primary, Pondelick will face Josh Smead and Matt Levine for the Democratic spot in the General Election later this year. For more information on Pondelick, click here.