Get Involved!
Biography
Amid the peace and developing prosperity of the mid 1950's, I was born last into a family of five boys and one girl in the growing town of Newport, NH. My parents were of modest means, not having more than the bare necessities to support a growing family.
My dad worked as a truck driver, mechanic, janitor....whatever it took to make a living for the family. Mom was a stay-at-home mother, as most were at that time, until I was old enough to go to school. Afterward she worked in mills and factories to supplement the family income. We had little in material wealth, but lots in family love.
We, the kids, didn't know we were poor and it didn't matter. We had no idea that life was better or worse out there for us or anyone else. We had each other and made do with what we had. It was during this time that we learned the values of humility, self sacrifice and caring for others. We learned through example that our door is always open, our hand is there for a hand up, and we treat everyone as family. We accept people for who they are, not how they choose to live their lives.
School was always a place for me to absorb information, thirst for answers and develop friendships. I thrived on competition and always challenged myself to do my best in the classroom or in sports. I was awarded the "Freshman Citizenship Award," became a member of the National Honor Society as a Sophomore and a Varsity Sports member as a Junior. I held a Track and Field school record for many years and received the "Coach's Award" for outstanding participation in sports. I graduated in 1974.
College was a difficult time, as family illnesses demanded more attention and shared responsibility from each family member. After two years at Boston University I returned home to assist in providing care for a brother who returned from the Vietnam war with psychological problems. It was not a hard decision to go home, as caring for family is what we do. We do the right thing for the right reason!
My career has crossed the spectrum of occupations from dishwasher/cook, tree trimmer, construction, restaurant manager, stock broker and most recently an Independent Insurance Agent where I counsel people to prepare a plan of action in the event of catastrophic health occurrences, such as Alzheimer's, strokes and other chronic illnesses.
I live the same dream as most people here in America, let me work and earn my way to support my family. I know the pain and heartache of losing a job. I know what it's like wondering how to pay the bills. I also know that relying on the system to take care of me is not in my blood. I was taught that you can always do something, anything, to earn a wage to make ends meet. I believe that the "system" is there to assist those with the most need.
I have lived in a bi-partisan home with my wife for the past 28 years, as we belong to different political parties. We have had spirited discussions and have compromised on some issues while remaining apart on others. We share the same concerns of expanding Government, higher taxes, wasteful spending and losing our freedom more and more each day. We share the same beliefs that everyone is special, that we don't judge anyone for any reason and we are willing to share what we have to give a hand up, not a hand out. We want America to be strong, vibrant and the last best hope for Freedom.
As always, I will work hard to do what is right for America, what is good for NH and what is worthy of your trust. I ask only for your consideration, for if you must vote, vote "for me", not me, Dennis, but for yourself. Vote as if your future depends on it, because........ it DOES!
God Bless America!
Dennis