LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Andrew Sockett and his service dog, Hercules, are spending the week in Louisville.

The Air Force veteran from West Virginia said he enjoys being around other veterans who can share similar experiences and challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Sockett is one of thousands of representatives from Veterans of Foreign Wars posts from around the U.S. The group gathers annually to discuss and approve new national priorities and lobby for important issues for veterans, service members and their families.

“It's nice to see us come together unified for one common goal: to take care of veterans," Sockett said. 

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., recognized the veterans for their service.

“You wore the uniform to protect your government, your families and to secure a more peaceful future for your descendants," Paul said. "You didn't risk your life for (a) foreign flag.”

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said veterans’ needs are more important than partisan beliefs.

“Every opportunity that our kids have is because of the service and the sacrifice of our veterans since the inception of this great nation," Beshear said. 

Sockett said he wants others to know veterans make many sacrifices for the country. 

“We do it because we're selfless," he said. "I mean, we want to just continue protecting this great country.”

The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs offers four long-term veterans centers, offering 24/7 skilled nursing care, services for veterans with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and transportation to the VA hospital. A fifth veterans center is scheduled to open in 2025 in Bowling Green.