About 15 years ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to become members of the State Department.
We answered the call of duty, and I served ten years overseas - Pakistan, Afghanistan, Korea, North Africa, and Iraq.
Was it in my plans? Just like being a politician running for Congress, nope.
I was at home talking to my son, who was in college over in Massachusetts. He said, "Dad, what do you think about me joining the Foreign Service?"
As a Yooper physician, I said, "The foreign what?"
A year and a half later, I'm in Pakistan serving in the Foreign Service as a Regional Medical Officer. It was never in the grand plan.
It was about serving my country, and it came after a phone call from my son at 11 p.m. after I had finished playing hockey in Negaunee, scoring my first hat trick in the "NHL"; the Negaunee Hockey League.
I understand my journey to Congress isn't conventional. I'm not your typical politician, but maybe we need more of that in the House. Your contributions are helping me continue my service to others and improving the lives of hardworking families in rural America.
Thank you.
-Bob
Bob Lorinser
Former NHL Star
Candidate for US Congress
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Democrat, MI01