The belief of Erwin and his campaign is that one does not “become” a Congressman.  Nonetheless, there are qualities that must be “becoming” of an individual in order to be considered for such an appointment.  There are certain qualities and experiences that people look for in those who will be entrusted with their voice to represent them.

I want to highlight some experiences that do not typically make the resume of elected officials, but play a key role in the making of what type of leadership they will exhibit.  Leaders lead out of their character.  Character comes from a root word which means, “to make sharp” or “to engrave.”  It carries the imagery of an instrument being used to engrave distinctive marks onto a surface.

When we think of potential candidates, we have become accustomed to fast forwarding to the college accolades and beyond, but the process begins much earlier than these years.  There are life experiences that have been used to “engrave” distinctive marks that will form the character of an individual.  I would like to focus on two in respect to Erwin.

We begin with the winter of 1988 when Erwin turns 16, and like many, begins to look for a car and employment.  Where does a gifted high school student who will graduate third in his class and is on his way to becoming one of the best basketball players to leave Meade County High School look for work?  The choice is easy — Kentucky Fried Chicken.  KFC was not even a local restaurant in his small hometown.  Erwin would drive his 1979 Chevrolet Monza (that’s right, Monza?) 45 minutes to Elizabethtown to prepare The Colonel’s “finger-licking good” chicken.

He would work after basketball practice, and then close the restaurant, and still maintained a high level of academic achievement. Even during the off-season, Erwin was requested for the “close shift” because the manager knew the job would be done efficiently and she would get to go home sooner.  How long does a high school student maintain this type of schedule? Erwin kept that one job until he left for college.

Now, we make our way to the college years.  Erwin continued to be a good student at Transylvania University and his potential as a collegiate athlete was ready to come to fruition.  What summer job does the future MVP of the men’s basketball team, male athlete of the year for his accomplishments on and off the basketball court, and future law student choose to do? He walks the streets of Lexington with a trash grabber collecting garbage and performs duties such as trimming bushes, laying sod, cutting grass, weed-eating lawns, and the list goes on.

Erwin did not use his academic and athletic accomplishments to avoid hard work that may have been deemed less attractive.  When Erwin speaks of hard work, it is not a platform to launch a campaign.  It is not a patronizing scheme to try and identify himself with another class of people.  It is indeed his life.  When he did the jobs that no one else liked to do, he was not trying to build a resume (it is hardly impressive anyway, right?).

I am not stating that Erwin did anything special.  He did (and continues to do) what many people do everyday.  He worked hard because there was a job entrusted to him, and the way you do your job is a reflection of the person you are and will become.  We cannot place our trust in the ever changing world of opportunities and tough issues, but we can trust the consistency of one’s character when faced with these opportunities and issues.  I simply highlight these experiences to show that character made its mark on Erwin long ago.

So, the next time someone hands you your 3-piece meal of The Colonel’s secret recipe (perhaps, you prefer extra crispy), or you’re sitting at a stoplight trying to avoid eye contact with the guy beside you picking up the trash — watch out!  It could very well be your next Congressman in the making.

Rudyard Kipling defined elegance accordingly, “Class can walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines, “epitome” as “…perfect example,” and for those that know or who have even had a chance encounter with my beautiful wife, Pheli Roberts, know ever so well that she is the epitome of Kipling’s definition. A trusted equal in every sense, I think of Pheli when I hear it said, “Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astair did — but she did it backwards and in high heels.”

Because any triumphant endeavor usually has its genesis built upon a successful partnership, I want to take a moment in this entry to introduce a woman and a partner whose influence touches every facet of my life.  As your next Congressman, I will not only bring my principled leadership, values, and tireless work ethic to Washington, but perhaps more importantly, the district will reap the benefit of the gentle influence of my beautiful and talented wife.  Pheli is indeed the rare find who offers selflessness in her relationship with me and unconditional love for those whose life she touches.

Typically satisfied with serving her community with quiet grace, Pheli understands the importance that this election holds to the future of our district and our country.  Therefore, while naturally inclined to work quietly in the shadows, Pheli is looking forward to an ever increasing voice in our movement.

Many of you already know and love her through her service to our community as your friendly neighborhood pharmacist.  She is dedicated to her patients and serves them with warmth and grace.  The same tender hand that dispenses medications to those in need is part of the same body that honors others by her resilient leadership and steadfast assistance through her acts of service to our 3rd District community.  Pheli is a woman who is equally graceful in the confines of the affluent and modest enough to serve the least amongst our community.  It is a humbling experience for me to try to list all of the various talents that God has blessed Pheli with — not only is she the consummate professional but she is also a loving wife, nurturing mother of four, talented vocalist, gifted painter, and anyone who knows Pheli knows all too well that you will never go hungry in her presence.  She approaches each challenge in her life with zeal, enthusiasm, and humor — and as a working, professional mother of four children five and under, she knows all too well the normal commotion of everyday life.

In paraphrasing the notion that, “A faithful companion on a long journey is as good as a fine carriage,” the residents of our beloved 3rd Congressional District and beyond are going to “enjoy the ride” in getting to know my wife — my partner in every sense of my life, Pheli Roberts. 

As Americans, we associate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics and baseball games.  Like most, I too share these traditions.  However, I also share an appreciation and heritage with those “new” Americans who will be taking their oaths and forever become part of the fabric of our nation this July 4th.  Like them, my parents came to America seeking as President Ronald Reagan described, that “shining city on a hill.”

Personally, I can not help but think of President Reagan on each and every July 4th.  Perhaps it is because he is the first president for which I remember following, perhaps it is because he left a lifetime footprint upon my life or perhaps it is because he reminded us that, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

My July 4th holidays will always be shaped by the remembrances of memories made as a six year old.  Even though my family lived on an enlisted soldier’s salary, my father always ensured that we celebrated July 4th.  The rare treats of “fair food” and fireworks from the Fort Knox Fair will forever be one of my fondest childhood memories.  My father planted a seed of patriotism; a career of public service has nurtured it; and today, I’m proud that it has grown like a mighty oak.  I am unashamedly in love with my country and her people.

As I teach my children, America is the greatest country in the world — not because we are alike — but because we have the freedom to be different.  As a soldier in our nation’s Army, I am reminded on a daily basis the words of Voltaire, “I may not agree with what you say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it.”  So on this our nation’s birthday, I encourage you to enjoy one another’s company, celebrate our nation’s accomplishments — and pray for our failings.  I encourage us to remember all the brave men and women that have served and those that continue to “man a post” so that we can forever sleep under a blanket of freedom.

 May God Bless You and May God Bless Our United States!