John,
It’s been said about parenting that “my mother gives me my drive, but my father gives me my dreams.” That was certainly true in my house.
My father loved this country -– he first enlisted in the navy as soon as he turned 18 in 1945 and re-enlisted for the war in Korea where he trained as a radar man and served on the USS El Dorado. He always stressed service above self, and this lesson has always stayed with me.
Dad died just two years ago this month at the age of 94 and I was honored that he lived with me for his final years. I got the chance to glean so much wisdom from him every day, and today I fight because of him and what he stood for.
My father brought me up understanding that we take care of our community, neighbor helping neighbor, and that’s especially true for our seniors and our veterans. That is why I fight for Social Security protection, Medicare expansion and strengthening our veteran’s overall care. And as a veteran child, it’s been an honor to be endorsed by the Michigan Democratic Veterans Caucus.
My father also taught me to work hard and never back down when things get tough. And at a time when hate is on the rise, and rich extremists try to buy Congressional seats for their MAGA members, dad instilled that leaders can’t get comfortable sitting back while other people in OUR community get ignored and struggle.
That’s why every day, I get up and work my tail off – because we deserve better, to have the country my father and millions of others risked their lives for. And it’s why I know we have the power to make that country a reality.
If you're ready to instill dad’s values in Congress and help flip MI-10 from red to blue – please chip in $5 to my campaign. Every dollar helps stand for better communities and against the MAGA GOP.
Happy Father's Day to all the hard working dads out there.
Diane
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