Today is Veterans Day, a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifice our servicemen and women make serving our country every day.

Today, I’m thinking about my uncle, Lieutenant Colonel Haldane King — a Tuskegee Airman. He overcame intense discrimination to become one of the first Black combat pilots in the Army and went on to be a firefighter and later a career Air Force officer.

After my parents passed away and I got kicked out of high school, I went to live with my Uncle Hal. At a time in my life when I felt lost and confused, he not only gave me structure and stability, but he gave me the push I needed to take ownership of my life. I’ll never forget when he told me: “Neither you nor I can control the things that happened to you as a child, but you are responsible for the shape of your life going forward.”

I’m channeling my uncle’s wisdom and spirit of service in my fight to become Maryland’s next governor. On this Veterans Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the strength of those who have served.

Thank you,

John