“My Congresswoman was able to help when no one else could.”
Bennett Hartley of Commerce Township contacted my office because he was having trouble getting home from a medical research trip in rural Guatemala when the country closed its borders and cancelled all international flights due to COVID-19.
My office was able to find Bennett a safe flight home within two days of contacting our office.
“I was in Guatemala conducting medical research in a rural Maya community,” said Mr. Hartley. “I traveled there alone and I was working closely with a medical doctor in the community. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving, Guatemala closed its borders and canceled all flights to and from the country. I contacted the U.S. Embassy daily, but they did not provide any options on how to get home. I was in regular communication with Michigan State University and they were trying their hardest to get me home. Unfortunately, the only way home was to drive to the Guatemala-Mexico border, walk across the border, hail a taxi in southern Mexico, drive to the airport in Tapachula, fly to Mexico City, and then fly home. This is a very difficult route and can be quite dangerous. However, it was the only way home.”
“Fortunately, I reached out to your office,” Mr. Hartley continued. “Immediately after reaching out, Michael Tash contacted me, listened to my ordeal, and sprung into action. Within minutes, he had discovered that one private airline had a scheduled charter flight flying out of Guatemala in two days. I booked my flight and was able to get home two days later. Without Michael’s assistance, I would not have known about this private flight and I would have been stuck in Guatemala for longer. He checked in with me to make sure I got home and he was a great help. Michael deserves all the praise in the world. This was an excellent example of the government working well for the people. I was a constituent in need of urgent help and my Congresswoman was able to help when no one else could. Thank you so much!”
How I Can Help:
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