I was born and raised in Humboldt, Iowa. After graduating high school I longed for a higher education. Unable to afford one, I worked a few odd jobs until joining the Marine Corps. While on active duty I served you and your family as a terrorism specialist, spending much of my time in London, England. London was my first experience living under a wonderful national health insurance program. During my last year of service, a training accident left me with a severe back disability.

After leaving active duty, I began an enormous battle with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. More than two years after submitting my original claim, I asked my elected officials for assistance. Senator Grassley and Representative Latham told me they couldn't help. Senator Harkin's office went above and beyond their call to duty and saw to it I received the treatment I urgently needed. Without Senator Harkin's help, I might not be here today. This is when I first learned that politics can really be used to help people.

Later in 2003, the day after this current war began I watched as Representative Tom Latham voted YES on a Jim Nussle budget which would cut millions from Veterans' health care. That very vote set me onto the mission I am on today. I've worked tirelessly to help fellow veterans over the years.

Not long after, life took me to the beautiful European country of Austria. It was there where I met my absolutely amazing wife, Raphaela. I ended up applying for and being granted a temporary residence permit and resided in Austria for two additional years. My wife's grandfather is a retired politician, grandmother retired from the health field, other grandparents are farmers while my father-in-law is an immigration officer, and mother-in-law a professor. These just happened to be the hottest issues in American politics. I spent over two years firing away, like a human machine gun, with questions.  The fired answers right back.  I learned and lived like never before.

While in Austria, I lived under a wonderful national health insurance program, while as an immigrant myself was subjected to a serious and stable immigration system. I learned how education can be conducted progressively, how service to country can provide affordable college, and how a neutral country solves international issues without starting wars.

Here in America, my wife and I live below the median income. We are both enrolled as university students while praying every single day that we don't get sick as we are without health insurance. We drive an 11 year old car which has 114,000 miles on it, bare tires, and our check engine light has been on for over three months. We watch every penny, use coupons, and live month to month just like the vast majority of people right here in Iowa's 4th district.

It hurt me very much to realize that, as an average person, I could have a much better quality of life in another country. Folks ask me all the time why I didn't stay there. IT'S BECAUSE I LOVE THIS COUNTRY! I've proved it once by serviing as a Marine. I want to be someone who makes a difference in the lives of other average Americans. We are the majority, and it's time this country takes care of it's majority instead of these rich special interest terrorists. Yes, that's what they are, terrorists. What they do to the rest of us year after year is nothing short of domestic terrorism.

I am the ONLY candidate, including our current Representative, in this race with both domestic and international FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE regarding the issues which matter most to you.

You have a unique opportunity this year. You can do as many Presidents have done when something absolutely, positively needs to be changed…………..SEND IN A MARINE!