Contact Your Representatives
Template letters and talking points for contacting Congress about government abandonment of Americans overseas
Why Contact Representatives About Veteran Abandonment
Congressional representatives work for you. When Americans are abandoned overseas, your elected officials have both the power and responsibility to demand accountability from government agencies. Your contact creates pressure that cannot be ignored.
When you contact representatives about veteran abandonment, every email, phone call, and letter adds to the documented record of constituent concern. When enough Americans demand action, Congress must respond with oversight, hearings, and legislative solutions.
The Power of Constituent Contact
Direct Pressure: Representatives track constituent contacts and respond to issues raised by voters
Legislative Action: Repeated contacts on the same issue lead to bills, hearings, and policy changes
Media Attention: Congressional action brings media coverage that exposes abandonment
Agency Accountability: Congressional inquiry forces agencies to respond and justify their actions
How to Find Your Representatives
Contacting your specific representatives ensures your voice is heard by those who represent your district and state:
Find Your House Representative
Visit: house.gov/representatives
Enter your ZIP code to find your Congressional district representative
Contact Information
Once you find your representatives, note their:
• Washington, D.C. office phone number
• Email contact form on their website
• District/state office locations
Template Letter: General Veteran Abandonment
Use this template to contact your representatives about systematic abandonment of American veterans overseas. Customize the bracketed sections with your personal information and specific concerns:
Subject: Urgent Action Needed – American Veterans Abandoned Overseas
Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name],
As your constituent from [City, State], I am writing to demand immediate congressional oversight regarding the systematic abandonment of American veterans overseas by U.S. government agencies.
American veterans who served our country are being left stranded in foreign nations without assistance from the very government they defended. These cases involve:
• Embassy refusal to provide constitutionally mandated consular services
• Failure to challenge illegal passport seizures by foreign courts
• Complete lack of response to Freedom of Information Act requests
• Systematic obstruction of congressional inquiry
[Optional: Add personal connection – “I am particularly concerned because…” or “As a veteran myself…” or “My family member…”]
I urge you to take the following actions:
1. Demand immediate accountability from the State Department
2. Hold oversight hearings on consular service failures
3. Investigate FOIA obstruction and transparency violations
4. Support legislation strengthening protections for Americans overseas
Our veterans deserve better than abandonment. I expect a substantive response detailing the specific actions you will take to address this crisis.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Template Letter: Specific Case (Kelvin Blas)
Use this template to raise Kelvin’s specific case with your representatives. Including specific case details creates stronger pressure for action:
Subject: Constituent Demand for Action – Kelvin Blas Case
Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name],
I am writing as your constituent to demand immediate action on the case of Kelvin Blas, a U.S. Army veteran who has been systematically abandoned in Togo, West Africa for over eight years.
Mr. Blas’s case represents everything wrong with current consular services:
• Togo courts illegally seized his U.S. passport in violation of international law
• The U.S. Embassy in Lomé has refused to challenge this illegal seizure
• Embassy staff have denied him access to constitutionally mandated services
• Multiple FOIA requests have been ignored or deliberately obstructed
• The Chargé d’affaires created a “secret file” to justify continued abandonment
This is not administrative error – this is systematic abandonment of an American veteran. The same embassy that told Mr. Blas “Americans aren’t Black” continues to deny him the most basic assistance.
I demand you take immediate action:
1. Contact the State Department demanding Mr. Blas’s immediate repatriation
2. Investigate embassy obstruction and potential civil rights violations
3. Hold the Chargé d’affaires accountable for creating secret files on Americans
4. Ensure all FOIA requests receive proper legal responses
An American veteran should not be abandoned for nearly a decade while our government does nothing. I expect a detailed response outlining specific actions you will take.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Phone Call Talking Points
When calling your representative’s office, you’ll likely speak with a staff member who takes constituent concerns. Be clear, concise, and specific:
Opening Statement
“Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I’m calling as a constituent from [City]. I’m calling to express serious concern about American veterans being abandoned overseas and to request that [Representative/Senator Name] take immediate action on this issue.”
Key Points to Make
The Problem
“American veterans are being systematically abandoned overseas by U.S. embassies that refuse to provide constitutionally mandated services.”
Specific Examples
“The case of Kelvin Blas shows embassies creating secret files to justify abandonment and refusing to challenge illegal passport seizures.”
What You Want
“I want [Representative/Senator Name] to demand State Department accountability, hold oversight hearings, and support stronger protections for Americans overseas.”
Closing Request
“I would like a written response detailing what specific actions [Representative/Senator Name] will take on this issue. May I provide my contact information for that response?”
Following Up
Congressional offices track constituent contacts. Following up increases pressure and demonstrates sustained concern:
Follow-Up Timeline
- Week 1: Send initial letter or email and make phone call
- Week 2: If no response, make second phone call referencing your letter
- Week 3: Send follow-up email asking for timeline on response
- Week 4: If still no substantive response, send formal complaint to constituent services
What Counts as a “Substantive Response”
A substantive response includes:
- Acknowledgment of the specific issue you raised
- Details on what action the representative will take
- Timeline for that action
- Contact information for further follow-up
Generic form letters do NOT count as substantive responses. Call back and demand specific action.
Share Your Advocacy
After contacting your representatives, amplify your impact by sharing your advocacy efforts:
Tell CFW
Share your congressional contact experiences with us
We track which representatives are responsive and which are not
Social Media
Post about contacting your representative
Tag them to increase public pressure
Use hashtags: #BringThemHome #VeteranAbandonment
Follow & tag CFW:
X: @CFWCovenant
Instagram: @CFWCovenant
Encourage Others
Share this page with friends and family
The more constituents contact Congress, the more pressure for action
Mass constituent action creates change
Your Voice Creates Change
Every contact matters. Every call creates pressure. Every letter demands accountability. Together, our voices force action and bring abandoned Americans home.
“Congress works for the people. When the people demand action, Congress must respond.”