Hello,
Permit me to begin by mentioning that since launching our campaign in mid-October, we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from people of all ages, urban and rural, for my candidacy. If you would like to join our team as well, I would like to welcome you aboard. Please sign up here to help us get our message to every household in Iowa.
November was a very special month for the campaign. It marked the beginning of our outreach of events that meant a lot to my family and me.
First, I want to thank everyone who came out for my birthday celebration on November 8th. Just so happens that November 8, 2022, is the date Senator Grassley gets beat in the general election and proceeds to his retirement. Hence, the birthday became about remembering another year and anticipating the next. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that my brother, Dan, drove from Virginia Beach to be part of his little brother’s big day. That’s him and me in that bottom picture hamming it up. Thanks for the birthday, everyone.
A few days later we traveled to North English and Cedar Rapids to attend several, local Veterans Days events, then motored down to Keokuk for Lee County’s Democrat Party fundraiser.
You’ll notice that the N. English grade school turned out for Veteran’s Day. A school gymnasium full of veterans and grade schoolers, the high school choir and a brass quintet, speaks volumes about small town America. Love it! Thank you to my grade schoolteacher from Kinsey Elementary in Sioux Center, Iowa, Mr. Ron Van Berkum, for sponsoring the visit. Jordan and I had a very nice time.
The passage of another Veterans Day means significantly fewer WW II and Korean War vets are with us. Their numbers are dwindling, fast. It is hard for many of us who witnessed these proud, tough, soft-spoken veterans slowly fade from life, my dad included. But my hope is that my generation of veterans will honor those before us and continue to be that stabilizing influence in our country.
As I said in my Veterans Day message: Veteran’s Day for me is about honoring those who gave, those who endured, and the families who persevered. I salute them!
The endorsement list is getting longer. We added another list of influential Iowans, elected officials, and notable movers in the state to a second set of endorsements. I am fortunate to have so many substantive and forward-thinking leaders on my team, and I am immensely grateful for their vote of confidence in the campaign and trust in me.
And finally, I was fortunate to spend this Thanksgiving holiday with my wonderful family. This Thanksgiving holiday, my appreciation extended to those who are behind the scenes every morning.
It’s the delivery driver whose route begins two hours before sunup; the 11-to-7 hospital worker who can never quite catch a good day’s sleep; the night mechanic working to ensure the equipment stays up; the farmworker who handles your food, and the legions of military personnel standing watch at desks, outposts, and conns of ships both here and afar.
These people keep the wheels of commerce going, the lights on, the sick on the path of healing. My thanks go to them who give us pleasant mornings, good food, and a safe environment every day.
My appreciation is tinged with sadness in knowing that on Thanksgiving there are those who have no one. They live on the street or alone, unseen and lonely on a day when such things shouldn’t be.
Hence, my family celebrates Thanksgiving with a customary circle of friends and a twist — we find a few people who haven’t anywhere to go and share the day with them. It has led to interesting conversations, an expanded understanding of others, fewer leftovers, and bigger smiles.
In closing, below is a list of upcoming events. Yes, you are invited to any event you want; we’d love to see you. If you ever have questions or want to invite us to an event in your community, please email us at [email protected]!
Mike Franken, VADM, U.S. Navy (ret.)