Hi John,

I've had the privilege to watch and guide JD as he grew and matured into the man he is today, and to say that I am proud of him would be a huge understatement.

Ever since JD could pick up his first mitt, we have shared a love of baseball. But I never could have imagined that he would play baseball in seven countries; it's an achievement that continues to amaze my brothers and me. Now, at the age of 44, JD is still pitching at a high level and in a very competitive league.

While JD was playing in the Netherlands, a friend said to me: "don't worry, he'll settle down some day." But that was the least of my worries. He was so far away, we missed him, and my worry was that he'd "settle down" too far from home. I continued to worry until my wife, JD's mom, bought me a t-shirt that said ''Not all people who wander are lost." Those words became my mantra, until JD came home to Iowa.

But my pride for JD does not end with baseball. His decision to run for office and support those in need was not a surprise to our family because his political philosophy — Stand Tall for All — has always supported the common good, and strengthens our community. He has a long history of helping others: shopping for a visually impaired friend in Seattle, shoveling the walkway for an elderly neighbor, clearing fallen trees with his own tools after high winds caused havoc in Sioux City, and many more examples of serving others.

As a father, I was blessed to help raise two fantastic kids and watch them grow into even better adults. So, on Father's Day 2024, I am glad to say that JD and his sister, Jessica, give me immense pride because of the caring and good people they have become.

Jim Scholten