I started to write this declaration in 2004 shortly after I returned home from Afghanistan.  I was very frustrated by the portrayal of the war and of the military by both the media and the Democratic politicians who disagreed with the war.  Sen. John Kerry, Rep John Murtha, Sen. Chuck Hagel just to name a few.  Men who had worn the uniform as I had and were turning their backs on the men and women of the Armed Forces who were putting their lives on the line for the country.  These so called “leaders” of the country were not standing behind the troops that they had voted to send to war.  Now they portray the war as belonging to Pres. Bush, as if they had nothing to do with sending the young men and women into battle.

The more I heard, the more frustrated I became.  There had to be something that I could do to change the system.  I made a decision to get involved in politics.  I attended meetings for local, State and National level political groups for both Republicans and Democrats.  I determined that the Republicans were the best chance to make a difference in supporting the war.  I attended my precinct caucus and was elected Chair of the precinct within 2 hours.  I then attended the Wright County Republican convention as a delegate and was elected as an alternate to the 6^th District Congressional Convention.  I would have my voice in who represented me in the next election.  Or so I thought.  The reality was that the Rep. Michele Bachmann had run a textbook grassroots campaign and the majority of the delegates supported her.  I had committed my support to the lone veteran in the race.  She had banded groups of supporters together and convinced them to get elected as delegates in order to defeat the party faithful in the 6^th District. 

Over the next 2 years as the war in Iraq grew progressively worse.  Our strategy in Iraq was failing and we needed a change.  The Democrats jumped on this chance politically to gain seats in Congress.  To gain seats in Congress!!!  The lives of the soldiers that sacrificed in the war had become a political weapon for politicians to gain seats.  I felt extremely small and insignificant.  When I returned from Afghanistan I was proud of what I had done and accomplished as I served my country.  By the end of 2006 I felt like a pawn for Washington Politicians to move around the chessboard of the world.

I want America to be represented by Men and Women who understand the value of human life.  People who will not make decisions to send soldiers to war and then change their mind for political gain.  People who will not point the finger of blame to gain seats.  People who will stand by their decisions and provide the leadership this country needs.

This declaration is meant to change that.  I intend to motivate, inspire and move veterans into action.  I want veterans with the leadership, experience and commitment to be in charge of this country.  The times of career politicians are drawing to a close.