Kevin Dellicker for U.S. Congress

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last month, I wrote about the charity events my campaign sponsored during the holiday season. Instead of organizing fundraisers for my campaign, we organized fundraisers for local organizations that help our neighbors: homeless veterans, women with unplanned pregnancies, men with addictions. We delivered truckloads of supplies and thousands of dollars in cash donations to charities across the district.

The decision to focus on charity over fundraising events was risky, especially since my political opponents already were telling people I couldn’t raise enough money to win. But then on Wednesday, the Federal Election Commission published the latest campaign finance reports. I didn’t lose ground. In fact, my campaign raised more money than all my primary opponents combined.

We’ve been quietly building an army of grassroots contributors to counter the influence of big-money donors that dominate establishment politics. Our campaign received thousands of small contributions from ordinary Americans who want to see me defeat Susan Wild. It shows the strength of our grassroots appeal and demonstrates what having a little faith can accomplish.

On Friday, I took a break from campaigning to fulfill my obligations as a military reservist and Air Force squadron commander. My airmen and I had a busy weekend. Being a part of a worldwide team that delivers combat airpower to protect U.S. interests abroad is a sobering responsibility. I wish every American could witness the professionalism and resolve exhibited by my airmen in action. Let’s give them the clarity of mission and the tools they need to do their jobs.

Serving in the U.S. military for 28 years is one of the greatest privileges in my life. When I get to Congress, I’ll apply that experience to secure our borders, rebuild our military, and defend our nation. There is no higher priority for a Member of Congress than to keep us safe and prevent unnecessary wars.

Finally, while I was at the military base on Saturday, I missed my friend John’s annual squirrel barbecue in New Tripoli. Each year, he and his friends go squirrel hunting in the morning and then cook them for dinner in the afternoon. Now that may seem strange to people who aren’t from New Tripoli, but it’s perfectly normal around here. The truth is, my family has been hunting squirrels for years, the meat is delicious, and John’s cookouts are the best.

John sent me a picture of a petition he was circulating at his place to get me on the ballot. I’m not sure if the Department of State accepts petitions with squirrel guts on the paper, but we are about to find out.

Thank you, John. And thank you to all the patriotic Americans who are circulating petitions, knocking on doors, making donations, and working so hard to change things in Washington.

Keep America Free.