In every Presidential race the issue of faith eventually comes into the national conversation.  So let me openly share my faith right at the outset. Let me begin by saying that while I have strong Christian beliefs, I do not believe that it is ever right to impose one’s personal religious beliefs on another person. Every person has the right to decide and choose for themselves even though our religious beliefs do affect how we see the world, how we relate to other human beings, and how we view life.           

 I personally believe in the God of our founding fathers and my personal faith is firmly rooted in the Christian heritage that they have passed down to all of us. As a very young person I made a decision to place my trust in the God of the Old and New Testaments. That God has remained with me throughout my entire life and has guided me in my decision-making; He has protected me on the battlefield; He has blessed me with a wonderful wife, children, and grandchildren; and God has comforted me with the loss of a very dear child.             

 In my autobiography, From Private to General, I clearly share my life’s story.  My wife Charlene has also written her life’s story in a book titled, The General’s Lady.  Both of these books were published by Believe Books and last year won the Independent Publisher’s Bronze Awards.  This is the first time a husband and wife have won these awards at the same time.              

I am running for President as a Republican because of all that the Republican Party has done for us as a nation.  It was the Republican Party that abolished slavery in the United States.  It was the Republican Party that recognized women’s equality with men and gave women the right to vote. And, it was the Republican Party that saw Communism overthrown in the former Soviet Union.  I am running as a Republican because I believe that all men and women are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.              

I believe that the life of each person is precious, each person is important, and each person has worth.  Even before a person is born into this world, that person is of value.  I believe the Republican Party will be the Party that finally sees and understands the importance of cherishing and protecting the life of the unborn child. The time is long past to put an end to the abortion of our unborn children.              

My faith has guided me throughout my forty-year career as:

• A decorated combat veteran

• An Army Aviator

• A Paratrooper and Ranger

• Commanding General of the Military District of Washington

• Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Carter Administration

• Press Secretary to the Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration

• Deputy U.S. V Corps Commander

• Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the Bush senior Administration

My faith has helped me all through the educational process as I got my BA from the University of Nebraska; my MA from Boston University, and my doctorate from Luther Rice University! I value the education I have received and it is my deepest desire to lead our nation in providing our children with the best education in the world.  We must make sure that every child has an excellent education that is relevant to the twenty-first century.              

For America to continue leading the world, it will take a nation of individuals committed to improving all aspects of our lives.  I have faith that the American people are up to the task.  My faith compels me to step forward and offer my leadership at this time.