Former Iowa Congressman and current Transportation Commission chairman, Leonard Boswell, told the commission today (Tuesday) via telephone that his is in Arizona getting a tumor checked out. Boswell, a Vietnam veteran, says the tumor could be linked to the chemical known as Agent Orange that was used in Vietnam. He says he is seeking a second opinion on the diagnosis.

Boswell says he will get the second opinion in the next couple of days. Boswell spoke to the commission this morning during their informal workshop prior to their regular meeting. “Don’t be worried about me, I am still on my feet. I am doing the same, I just know that something is happening,” Boswell said. Boswell told the commission he would join the regular meeting via telephone.

Boswell, a Democrat from Davis City, was appointed to the Transportation Commission by Governor Terry Branstad in January of 2014. Boswell served in Congress from 1997 to 2013 and prior to that was a state legislator. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses while flying helicopters in Vietnam. Boswell, who is 81, had a non-cancerous tumor removed from his stomach in 2005.

(Radio Iowa)