"Every opportunity I've had — the opportunity to attend the Air Force Academy, to serve my country, to live my dream — I've had because I was fortunate enough to grow up in this community.

At this time, when so many people are feeling those opportunities are increasingly out of reach and Congress is abdicating its responsibilities, I feel my own responsibility to step up, give back, and serve so future generations can have the same — or better — opportunities than I had."

"Our country was conceived in the ideal that ‘all men are created equal’ — I still believe in that commitment to equality. 

This is who we are as Americans. We must continue to strive to make 'a more perfect union.'

We are at our best when we act in a way that is consistent with our ideals. We must not retreat from this promise to each other."

"I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of America. We've been through tough times before and we've emerged stronger as a country.

My optimism isn't naivety. I've taught history to Air Force cadets who are still volunteering to serve because they believe in America. I've also seen how hard people will fight for democracy.

I have seen what happens when we acknowledge our differences and take a commonsense approach to our common problems: nothing can stop us."