After 10 years in the Air Force flying a C-130 Hurcules, Eli in Fairway, Kansas, got back from his fourth tour in Iraq and went right to work on the ground for Obama.
“When I got out of the Air Force, I was hungry get politically involved and to push ethics back into government. That’s a big thing Barack Obama was talking about.”
Eli, 33, and his new wife Erin had intended to take some time to travel after his Air Force service. But instead, they soon found themselves going full throttle organizing Kansas for Obama.
They first became precinct captains, then volunteer organizers, and eventually both were elected regional delegates. Eli was even elected as an alternate delegate to the National Convention. There goes his vacation time.
But for Eli, it’s all worth it.
It’s a lot of work, but I’ve gotten a lot out of it – the people I’ve met in my community and neighborhood have been amazing, and many have become good friends. It’s cool to get people out of their houses and off their front porches to actually go out and make a difference.
He first realized this election was different during the caucus:
The caucus here in February was during a blizzard. But in my location, we had more people show up in one caucus location than had showed up statewide in 2004. We re-registered over 1,000 Republicans to vote for Barack. There was a line a mile long to get in but no one complained. People don’t usually show up for Democratic functions in Kansas.
The enthusiasm he saw for Barack made Eli want to get even more involved.
I’ve never been politically involved in my life at all. I wanted to serve the military out of patriotism. But later I was disturbed that there was no justifiable reason for being in Iraq. I started questioning our politicians and I wanted answers. I think voters have a responsibility to demand that from our leaders.The military decisions affect my family in a huge way. While dating my now-wife, I was deployed four times. The effect of the war on our military families is something we really need to consider. The role of the commander and chief is to set the tone and the mission for the military. I think Obama understands that and will provide strong leadership. There is no easy solution in Iraq, so good leadership is crucial. I like Obama’s stance on Iraq and the integrity he has shown on the issue.
Eli says that public service is something we should definitely look for in a commander and chief.
I respect McCain’s service, but Obama’s community service is important as well. One of the things I will try to teach my kids is to do some sort of service out of high school or college. It could be helping out in neighborhoods like Obama. The idea of giving two years of service to serve your community or that country is a great way to help people pay for college. I went right into the service out of college, and I really respect that Obama returned to serve his community.
Eli is also concerned about veterans benefits for those he served alongside.
We need to take care of the veterans and the families of wounded servicemen. It affects out county for generations. We need to learn from Vietnam and take care of the wounded veterans who need our help. Obama has some good ideas.
As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Obama has a strong record of working for veterans, including passing legislation to improving care and backing the 2008 G.I. Bill. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to take care of America's veterans. From expanding and strengthening VA care, to improving mental health and traumatic brian injury treatment, the Obama-Biden plan puts veterans first. Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan to help veterans.
If, like Eli, you’re hungry to get involved in the political process and bring strong leadership back to Washington, join our grassroots movement and volunteer to make a difference.
Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of helping bring about fundamental change in Washington.
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