On Thursday I had the great privilege of hosting Operation Bugle Boys guests, a number of whom were Marines, in the State Capitol. I have the good fortune of knowing many Marines. To a person they are driven, at least a little crazy, and have a way about them that is distinctly Marine despite the fact that many have gained a few pounds and lost some hair since their days on active duty. If asked, I am almost certain that each of them would list being a Marine among the top three accomplishments in their lives of which they are most proud. To all of my Marine Corps friends, I wish you a very Happy Birthday on Monday.
On Tuesday we will celebrate Veterans Day, and I look very forward to doing so. Each year I feel wholly insufficient to talk about veterans, the sacrifices that they and their families have made, and the challenges that they readily faced in defense of this country and our way of life.
Truth be told, I cannot fully appreciate their sacrifices, but I can be grateful for the men and women who have served, fought, and died to protect us. On this Veterans Day I hope that each of us will take a moment to thank God for the men and women who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps who have put themselves in harms way to protect others. Additionally, I hope you will take a moment to call a veteran or their spouse and just say thank you for their service and sacrifice.
Claudia and I, and the entire Kehoe family, would like to thank every veteran in the Sixth Senate District. Thank you for the time away from family. Thank you for the cold nights and lonely holidays away from home. Thank you for the tough training and poor conditions you willingly endured, and thank you for the selfless example you set for others.
Finally, to the families of those veterans who died in service to the United States, a very special thank you for your great sacrifice. May God bless your memories of those loved ones.
Operation Bugle Boy demonstrates Central Missouri's appreciation for our veterans. Chris Jarboe, the hundreds of volunteers who lined the roads with flags and high school students from both public and private schools who served meals, all deserve a huge thank you for their efforts. Great work on this event honoring our local veterans and, at Thursday night's event, our Gold-Star Mothers.
I am grateful and humbled by last week's elections and look forward to serving as your senator for another four years. Thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
My purpose and my intent is to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. If you are in the Capitol during the coming weeks and months, please stop by your office in Room 220.
Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th District.