Hello,

My name is Art Nystrom. When I was 17 years old, I enlisted in the United States Air Force.
 

I worked my tail off to eventually become Staff Sergeant. I flew 35 missions over Germany in World War II. If we hadn’t gone over to England, they would’ve lost. It ended the war. At one point, Jimmy Stewart was my commanding officer. I'm deeply proud of my time serving and fighting for this country.

And I'm also incredibly grateful because I was one of the lucky ones. My unit had 26,000 soldiers killed, most of whom were only 18-19 years old.

Now, at age 95, I reflect on how much this country’s perception of veterans has shifted over the years.

When I was in the service, I never heard anything about politics. Nobody asked us what political party we were associated with or what our political beliefs were. We all shared the same ideals of country and freedom with the same goal — to come back alive or die fighting for our nation. Why did it become so political?

Nowadays, I just don't understand this misconception that all veterans are Republicans. Troops aren’t separated by political affiliation — we are all on the same team, and we are willing to risk our lives to defend our country’s honor and look out for fellow Americans.

I fought for this country so that differences of opinions can be respected and revered as part of our robust democracy. Not used to pit Americans against other Americans for power or profit.

Meanwhile, the sitting president has recently made offensive comments about veterans, calling those of us who enlist “suckers and losers.” And his remarks about the late John McCain, calling him a coward? I’m deeply appalled by that — McCain was one of the finest human beings. He, like all men and women who serve this country, should be treated with respect and dignity — regardless of individual political beliefs.

The only other life achievement that I’m most proud of is my beautiful family.

My granddaughter, Quinn, has always been a fighter. Not in the military, but battling her own war every day with Type 1 diabetes and dedicating her life to championing affordable healthcare for those like her who struggle with the rising costs of life-saving medications and other essential medical services.

She fights fearlessly for what she believes in, giving some of my old comrades a run for their money! She’s not afraid to speak out against injustices on either side of the aisle, and she won’t back down to bullies. I like to think that she got her tenacious spirit, fiery passion, and moral integrity from me.

And while my way of taking action and fulfilling my civic duty was to enlist — Quinn’s approach is running for Congress. Both have the same mission: Take care of the people of this country, protect our rights as Americans, and do so with dignity and honesty.

Although she is running as a Democrat, Quinnie’s determination and ambition aren’t driven by political party or personal gain — they are rooted in fairness, equality, and justice for all. And, just like her grandfather, a love of family.

That’s why I know that Quinn will make us all proud when she gets to Washington, D.C. Because she will never lose sight of these values.

Today, I’m humbly asking you to make a donation to my granddaughter's campaign so that she can fight for us in Congress. Will you kindly rush a contribution of any size to help elect a true fighter to represent Minnesota’s 8th District?

Sincerely,

Art Nystrom

(Quinn’s "Papa")

We need leaders like Quinn fighting for us in Congress. Pitch in now to help elect her to be the voice for MN-08!