Hi, John
This is Ike McCorkle, retired Marine Corps Officer, Purple Heart recipient and proud father of four. The only way to pass legislation to end the epidemic levels of gun violence in our country is to take back the House!
I will never forget that day! As a combat wounded retired Reconnaissance Marine I have seen what these firearms, these weapons of war, do to the human body. I was terrified for my son, the teachers and kids at his school. The feeling of helplessness can be more intense than any combat.
I was volunteering at Candi C DeBaca’s campaign office that day where a good friend of mine, Tyler, was working on the campaign. I had just registered an exploratory committee to run for Congress in Colorado’s Congressional District Four. My friend Tyler was teaching me to use my campaign’s voter access network account. I had just finished talking with a voter that had already turned in their ballot. Was starting to dial the next number when my phone buzzed. I will never forget the sinking hollow feeling when I read that message, “Shots fired at STEM Highlands Ranch.”
Prior to the shooting, I would show up at STEM a few minutes early everyday for pick up. I sat on the railing out-front of the school waiting for my son Isaac Jr. after the bell. I didn’t know it at the time but a young man named Kendrick Castillo whom walked past me and warmly greeted me every day in passing had already lost his life. I didn’t know if my son was a victim. I drove towards the school from the campaign office and texted Isaac Jr.’s mother the message.
