Friends, you probably haven't thought about it much, but I’m more than just a name in your inbox  

 

I wasn't always a Congressman, I wasn't always a businessman…

 

In fact, I started as a paperboy in a blue collar town.

 

But what I did have from the very beginning - and continue to carry with me today - is a belief in and respect for the American Dream. 

 

Let me start from the beginning:

 

 

It all began in this small house off Rosewood St., just outside Detroit. It was here that my father, who worked long hours as a factory worker, taught me and my 5 siblings what it means to be a hard working patriot.

 

 

I always felt a passion and desire to serve my country, and after high school I joined the Air National Guard, where my love for service blossomed further. 

 

 

No one in my family had attended college, but I knew that an education was key to paving my way to success. So I became the first in my family to earn a college degree, paying my way through school by teaching karate lessons and continuing to believe that with hard work you can accomplish anything.

 

 

That's where it all changed - I met my wife of more than 40 years - and with $1500 to our names, - we created a business that would soon expand throughout 44 states and eventually across the globe.

 

Friends, that may have been over 30 years ago, but the lessons I learned in that Rosewood house still ring true today: 

 

The American dream is possible for anyone willing to fight for it. The real challenge is taking the time to dream, and acting on it.

 

Unfortunately, that same American Dream is beginning to erode. I’ve worked to preserve it with every decision I’ve made in Congress to this point.  

 

I know that the American people have their work cut out for them already, without the Federal government weighing them down with excessive taxes and inflating prices on everyday essentials. 

 

I know the last thing the American people need is to carry the burden of our monstrous national debt. 

 

Because I know when hard working patriots are given an opportunity to succeed without the government holding them back - they can achieve anything. 

 

And with your support, we’re making progress every day.

 

Friends, would you consider joining me in this fight to end the erosion of the American Dream for our future generations? 

 

I truly appreciate you for trusting me in this fight.

 

Sincerely,

 

Vern Buchanan