It was only by luck and the blessings of God that my soldiers did not encounter an assault, that we did not run over an IED. And to dishonor our service by saying we're not worthy of being called combat veterans is insulting to the majority of men and women who serve their country honorably.
Interpretation
The speaker emphasizes the importance of honoring military service and acknowledges the role of luck in avoiding danger.
In this quote, Joni Ernst reflects on the experiences of soldiers, highlighting how luck and divine intervention can protect them during combat situations. She asserts that to deny the valor of soldiers who may not have faced direct combat is to undermine the honor and sacrifices made by all service members, thus advocating for recognition and respect for their service.
In practice
In a speech at a veterans' gathering to underscore the importance of service recognition.
In the fields of southwest Iowa, my parents and grandparents worked and sacrificed. Like so many Iowans, the American Dream for them was never about wealth or fame. Their dream was to leave their children and grandchildren a better life, with greater opportunity, than their own.
On the field I'm trying to play for the glory of God but then also I'm trying to give everything I have and win and compete. And so I think more than just winning or losing, I think He cares about where our hearts are when we're playing.
Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.
Christians know how to face difficulties, trials and defeat with serenity and hope in the Lord.
Courage and fear were one thing too.
In working to end violence against women and children, we need to ensure that men are centrally involved. Men need to organise themselves in a sustained campaign against gender-based violence.
I never felt I had anything to hide. I never felt being gay was anything to be ashamed of, so I never felt apologetic. I didn't have issues with it, didn't grow up with any religion, so I didn't have any religious, you know, issues to deal with as far as homosexuality is concerned. So, I accepted it very easily. For me, it wasn't that big a deal.
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