This Veteran Pilot Running for Congress is the Leader We Need

Recently, a friend shared a campaign video with me that came with a heartfelt suggestion: “You have to watch this with your daughter.” Despite my hectic day filled with carpool duties and school events, I took a moment to view it.

As I watched, tears streamed down my face. My daughter entered the room, curious about my emotional response. Together, we viewed the video featuring Sarah Johnson, and soon we were both in tears of joy. Sarah, we are fully behind your campaign!

A Dream to Fly

In her powerful video, Johnson recounts how, from the age of twelve, she aspired to pilot fighter jets and “land on aircraft carriers” for the U.S. military. At that time, women were still barred from combat roles. In her video, she reveals how she reached out to every member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, pleading for a change in the laws that restricted women from combat. “I told them they just hadn’t met me yet,” she states confidently, while cheekily noting that she never received a response from her Senator, Tim Baker.

Despite the odds, Johnson forged ahead. Over her impressive 20-year career as a United States Marine, she became the first woman to fly an F-18 in combat, completing 89 missions against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. She truly embodies the spirit of girl power, challenging the patriarchal narratives that persist in our society.

Running for Change

Now, Johnson is running for a Congressional seat in the Sixth District of Ohio, taking on Republican candidate Mark Lewis, and aiming to bring about a much-needed change in Congress. As the video concluded, my daughter looked at me with tears in her eyes and exclaimed, “Mom, she’s just like me! They told her she couldn’t be a fighter pilot, and I’ve been told I’m not strong enough to become a police officer!” I hugged her tightly, feeling grateful that Sarah Johnson is an advocate for young girls across the nation.

Remember her name; she is destined for greatness. To label Sarah Johnson as merely impressive would be an understatement. Watching her campaign video made me emotional, as it was refreshing to see a female candidate who resonates not just with me but also with my daughter.

Inspiring the Next Generation

I reflected on my own experiences as a twelve-year-old girl, the one who faced discouragement in pursuing science because “girls don’t think like boys.” My heart swelled with hope for my daughter, who has been told that her dream of becoming a police officer is unrealistic due to her petite stature. When she asked if she could write to Johnson and share how much the campaign inspired her, I fought back tears in the kitchen as I witnessed my daughter enclose $20 of her allowance with her letter.

My daughter, Lily, has dreamed of joining the police force since she was a toddler. It infuriates me when people suggest she should consider a safer career path or one that wouldn’t interfere with family life. In her letter, she wrote:

Dear Ms. Johnson,
My name is Lily, I am 12, and I live in New Jersey. Although I don’t reside in Ohio, I wholeheartedly support your campaign for Congress. I aspire to be a police officer when I grow up, but recently someone told me I couldn’t pursue that dream. Your video has inspired me to believe that if I work hard and keep fighting for my goals, I can achieve anything. There may be skeptics, but thanks to your message, I’m ready to take on the world. Thank you for being my inspiration.
Best wishes,
Lily, from New Jersey

I can’t express how proud I felt when she shared her letter with me. It’s disheartening that even today, young girls still struggle to find role models who uplift them and instill confidence in their potential to make a difference as adults.

A Call to Action

I commend Sarah not only for her courage as a soldier but also for her commitment to creating a better future for our children. After the recent presidential election, I wandered for months, questioning how our country had veered so far off course. It became clear to me that real change for our daughters could only occur if we actively participated in the political arena, demanding a shift in the status quo. We need to make noise, challenge the system, and empower our daughters to pursue their dreams.

I applaud Sarah Johnson for taking the bold step into politics. Thank you for your dedication to serving our country and for fighting for a better future as you campaign for Congress. It will undoubtedly be a challenging journey, but I know an incredible young girl who is cheering you on.

When you took the time to respond to her letter and showcased it on your social media, it affirmed that you are on the right path. Take notes, Tim Baker; Sarah Johnson is on the rise, and we stand firmly behind her.

Conclusion

In summary, Sarah Johnson is a remarkable candidate whose journey from fighter pilot to congressional contender is inspiring countless young girls. Her commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for women’s empowerment resonates with many, reminding us all that with resilience and dedication, we can achieve our dreams, no matter the obstacles.