I'm a christian conservative living in Holmen with my angel of a wife, Diane. We're empty nesters just enjoying the quiet life until I got on the ballot in the spring election for county board. We fought hard but ended up losing to the 38 year incumbent Steve Doyle. But we'll get him next time.

I'm also the editor of couleeconservatives.com, and I've been active in the GOP and conservative movement since 2000, almost 25 years now. But that's just how I spend my nights and weekends. In my day job, I manage software engineers for the United States Concealed Carry association. It is a huge privilege to wake up every day and go to work in defense of the Second Amendment. So that's me in a nutshell. Any Dan Bongino fans here? Good, then you’ll appreciate this next part because ‘cutesy time is over.’

Bongino recently played a clip from Mark Robinson out of North Carolina, and he's much more articulate than I am but the topic was really important. He spoke about the difference between doing what we want to do versus doing what we must do to live up to our responsibilities as citizens of the United States. Now, as much as I enjoy good company and good conversations, I have to be honest. As a computer nerd in my day job, standing in front of crowds of people is really outside of my comfort zone. I would much rather be in my recliner sharing a bowl of popcorn and a good movie with Diane. But life isn't about what I want. It's about what our Heavenly Father has put me here to accomplish, “For such a time as this.” I prayed for several weeks before deciding to stick my neck out and get my name on the ballot. Actually, now that I think of it, I’ve actually been praying and preparing for about 25 years really.

I did not want to do it. And even though I did not win the election, the loss does not erase the determination I have to perform my duty as a citizen and defend our traditional American values and the Constitution that enumerates them. But why? Why stick my neck out and run for office? Why stay engaged in the conservative movement writing articles, supporting candidates, donating to campaigns, and voting in every election?

Have you ever seen the movie “Saving Private Ryan?” For those who haven't – spoiler alert.

At the end, when the captain is speaking his final words, dying on the battlefield, he tells Private Ryan, “Earn this!”

Let that sink in.

I believe he was speaking to all of us when he said, “Earn this!”

I owe it to those who died on the beaches of Normandy.

I owe it to those who bled on the streets of Fallujah.

I owe it to those who served with my dad in Vietnam.

I owe it to the moms who stayed home and held their families together.

I owe it to every American patriot who ever sacrificed for the benefit of this nation.

They made their sacrifices, some of them giving everything so that I could be here today enjoying my everything. There are forces working very hard to fundamentally transform America into a Marxist Hell hole. You may have noticed recently that they were successful in fundamentally transforming our justice system into a political witch hunting system. We must work harder than them and defeat them!

We must put on the Armor of God and get off of our couches and perform our duty as Americans to pass the torch of Liberty to the next generation, just like it was passed to us. Convince your neighbors, your friends, your relatives to vote. Go door to door, make the phone calls, write the letters, and for the love of God, vote early. Do SOMETHING or we will lose EVERYTHING. Use the gifts and talents God has blessed you with “For such a time as this.”

Take care & God bless.