Political Quotes

“Madam President, the words of ``Invictus'' have inspired men and women for generations, and the spirit is alive in the athletes who represented their countries in Orlando. Three people from my State competed on the U.S. team. Army CPT Kelly Elmlinger is a mother, cancer survivor, and fierce competitor who grew up in Attica in Seneca County, which is in my part of the State. She brought home the gold for our country in the women's 400-meter dash. Team USA included Brian McPherson, a Marine Corps sergeant from Nashport, just east of Columbus. Sergeant McPherson has battled a traumatic brain injury sustained while deployed in Iraq when a suicide bomber walked into his unit. He competed in track and field and cycle competitions. He said: I am a son, brother, uncle, professional, Marine, and athlete who proudly stands before you after being ravaged by war. I was and am changed from these events but they lead me to what I now consider a greater path. Those times have taught me much about myself, while giving me the additional skills to leave the Marines and integrate back into society. Competitions like this have been so important to that journey. He said: Adaptive sports gave me the strength to be an example for fellow servicemembers, civilians, and myself. I learned of a passion I didn't know existed deep within me. Sports have given me an outlet and time to sort through my thoughts and emotions.…”