Today I filed
my candidacy for US Congress in Texas against Republican incumbent
John Carter. And despite DeLay's best efforts to gerrymander Texas into a one-party state, I will win this election because of veterans like retired Army Chaplain
Dan DeBlock and retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant
Dennis "Gunny" Andrews.
Dan is a registered Republican and he endorses my campaign because he trusts me to stand up and defend those who serve our country. The DeBlocks' son serves in the Navy.
Gunny served with distinction in hell-holes like Lebanon and Somalia. After retiring, he earned his R.N. and now cares for critically ill kids. If you knew Gunny you wouldn't find that surprising, since his biggest concern was always to get his kids--his Marines--home to their families alive and in one piece. Gunny and Bob went through the local police academy together--so they could give something back to their communities as reserve police officers. As if they hadn't already given enough.
Gunny, another Republican, trusts me to look after the best interests of those who are willing to sacrifice everything for their love of country. Gunny's son joined the Marines and is in Iraq.
Dan and my husband, Bob, met in 1987 when they served in the same battalion on Fort Hood. Dan always seemed the most unlikely preacher because of his laid-back manner and dry sense of humor. We asked Dan to baptize the kids, and that led to a series of kitchen table conversations about the nature of faith. God has a bad habit of testing mine. Dan's wife, Mary Jean, is godmother to our daughter, and we still stay in constant contact by email. Army life builds friendships that last a lifetime.
Dan's son, Gunny's son and our sons enlisted long before 9/11 because they love their country and can think of no greater calling than to serve it. Our oldest, Rob, also serves in Iraq.
I turned 49 last week and Bob gave me a sweatshirt that says "God Bless the Good Guys." Underneath are the logos for the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. I'm running because our young men and women in uniform, the good guys, are being let down by the politicians in countless ways.
It's been noted that there are darn few members of Congress with sons or daughters in Iraq. With your help, there will be one more.