By Samantha Rogers | @KyKernel

news@kykernel.com

Andy Barr, congressman of the 6th district, visited the Veterans Resource Center at UK Thursday to speak to a group of veterans, military students and family members of those serving in the military.

“Mainly, I’m here to thank you for your service to our country,” Barr said. “If there’s anything you need, feel free to contact our office.”

Barr also answered a number of questions for those gathered in Funkhouser Building to meet with him.

The first came from Kenneth Fairchild, a UK student who served in the U.S. National Guard, completing three tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“What do you think about the new medal for drone pilots?” he said.

Barr said that he supported the new honor, but conceded that it raises questions as to what level of service is honored by the government.

Barr then asked Fairchild for his opinion.

“I was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor, and reading these articles really ticked me off. Me and my guys out in the field, versus someone sitting in an office, drinking a macchiato, playing a video game, essentially,” said Fairchild. One student raised her hand, asking Barr his opinion on the extent of gun control.

“I don’t think the answer to the problem is over-restriction of firearms for most of Americans,” Barr said. “I don’t think it will solve the problem.”

Students weighed in with their own opinions.

“You can legislate and legislate and legislate, but you still can’t prevent human error,” said TJ Morrison, of the College Republicans at UK.

The congressman and the students agreed that regardless of the number of laws passed, if someone is determined to commit mass genocide, breaking a law or two wouldn’t be a concern.

“I think we need to do more enforcement of existing laws,” Barr said. “There’s not a lot of prosecutions right now.”

However, as the discussion veered toward the question of arming security guards in our schools, some students agreed that this might not be the best path to pursue.

“I’m the father of a two-year-old daughter, and Newtown was a nightmare possibility,” said Barr. “We should all do our part to prevent something like this from happening again.”

It was mentioned that firearms are not the only kinds of weapons.

“You can make a weapon out of anything,” said Shelby Morrison, wife of TJ Morrison. “I could take that ballpoint pen and gouge your eye out. If you have the mindset to kill children, nothing’s going to stop you.”

“At the end of the day, I’m not sure these [gun control] laws would’ve prevented Newtown,” Barr said.

Barr ended his speaking engagement with “thank you,” to all of the military students, both for their service and the opportunity to speak with them.

“Again,” said Barr. “Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”