My first Veterans' Day

This is a very special Veterans’ Day for me, because it marks the first time I am observing the holiday as a veteran. After 28 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, I retired this year as lieutenant colonel. I am proud to call myself a veteran.

Although I have retired, I have not abandoned the ideals that led me to join the Guard in 1979. I still believe it is our responsibility to protect, defend and strengthen our great country. That is why I am running for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina.

I believe it is time we had someone with military experience on the Council of State. Currently, there is not a single Council member with any military background. In a state which is home to six major military bases, thousands of servicemen and women, and nearly one million veterans, that doesn’t make sense.

Many of the issues we are now facing as a state are military issues. If we want to tackle homelessness or mental illness in North Carolina, we must acknowledge that these problems disproportionably affect our veterans. Our brave men and women who have honorably served our country deserve more than our deep and enduring gratitude: They deserve top-notch medical care, affordable housing and protection for their families.

The military is not merely an economic engine in North Carolina: It is a way of life for many of our friends and neighbors. It is a way of life I intimately understand. As a public servant, I have striven to embody the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I believe those are the very values we now need in Raleigh.

While military service is not required for public service, it greatly enhances one’s ability to lead. My experience in the Guard was tremendously helpful to me as a mayor, especially when I was faced with the devastating floods of 2004 that threatened the future of my hometown. I used the skills I acquired in the military to not just rebuild, but build better.

I have had the opportunity this weekend to share in Veterans’ Day festivities across the state, and have had the honor of meeting men and women who have served everywhere from Pearl Harbor to Iraq. Please join me today in saluting them and their families for their service and sacrifice.