I want to take a moment to tell you about my path to becoming a United States Marine, and what being a veteran means to me.

I grew up in the small town of Middletown, Ohio.

Middletown was once an industrial powerhouse, but thanks to the unfair trade deals signed by our “leaders” in DC, the people of Middletown were left behind.

Like most of the enlisted Marines I served with, I joined the military to serve my country. It was also a way for a kid from a poor family to achieve the American Dream.

When I got off the bus and stepped on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Training, I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into.

But when my Drill Instructor handed me my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and I earned the title of United States Marine, it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Compared to others I served with, I think my time in the Corps was rather unremarkable.

I deployed to Iraq, did my duty, and I’m proud of my service. But I was lucky. There were some scary moments, but it wasn’t like you’d see in the movies.

My time in the Corps was nothing compared to the sacrifices made by generations of Marines that came before me - and a lot in my own generation.

We ask so much of our men and women deployed around the globe. And they do it with honor and humility.

That’s what keeps me going every single day. Our veterans and servicemen, young and old, need to know we have their backs.

President Trump was the best Commander-in-Chief of my lifetime, and if we’re going to get him back in the White House, it will all come down to your support.

My time as a Marine taught me that every man has to do his part.

I won’t run from the biggest fights we face as a nation.

If you give me this opportunity, you have my word that President Trump & I will fight tooth and nail to put you and your family FIRST.