Washington, Jan 10, 2005 -

BELTON – U.S. Representative John R. Carter’s (TX-31) Belton office, located near the courthouse, will officially be open for business starting today. The Belton office will be an extension to Carter’s main district office in Round Rock.

Carter announced new hires for the Belton office, "I am confident that we have put together a good staff that will work hard to meet the needs of constituents."

Travis Lucas, Texas Chief of Staff, will manage all of Carter’s district offices and staff. He will also work coordinate projects and constituent requests.

Gregory Schannep, Congressional Aide for Military Affairs, will work in the Belton office and be on hand for any issues that may arise with Fort Hood. Schannep has an extensive and notable background in the military. He served in the Special Forces during Vietnam and is a retired Colonel and Chaplain from Ft. Hood.

Chris Alsup, Military Legislative Assistant, will work out of the Washington office and monitor legislation related to the military and veterans for Carter. Alsup served in the National Guard for two years before enlisting in the active duty Army. He did his basic training at Ft. Hood and was eventually stationed at Ft. Kobe in Panama for a year and Ft. Hood for two years.

Diane Thomas, Caseworker, will handle military and veterans’ casework. She comes to Carter’s office with experience in dealing with veterans issues via TRICARE.

Phil Fountain, Caseworker, will manage all other constituent issues and assist in special projects, such as grant assistance.

Both Becky Harris and Jodell Brooks will continue to serve as caseworkers. They will handle various constituent issues. Brooks will also handle Carter’s military academy nominations.

Jonas Miller, Field Representative, will be responsible for Carter’s mobile office that will assist constituents in eastern and northern parts of the district.