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My American Dream is a simple dream; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  While it sounds like an easy accomplishment; what an amount of time, hard work, perseverance, and patience it takes to make it occur.  Our forefathers knew this, and they assisted a wanting and anxious nation in changing the course of history.

My early poverty was not a deterrent to success.  Luckily, my single mother didn’t make my older brother or I aware of it through her loving nature, and selfless parenting.  I learned from her stories that life was a challenge, and that taking risks was the catalyst for changing a person’s lot in life.  The world was always brand new and offered limitless opportunities and possibilities in our house.  Still, I was just a kid wanting what every other kid had.  I learned quickly you couldn’t always get what you wanted when you wanted it.  So I learned through humor and humility to make what seemed impossible…possible.

I used the education afforded to me to do many things and learned an abundant amount of skills as a young adult.  I became a musician and businessman, and an entrepreneur in each role.  I was not satisfied with mediocrity.  I was always looking to improve by building on my goals and dreams.  In doing so, I found myself surrounded by supportive mentors and friends who guided me through the peaks and valleys.  All I had to do was listen so I wouldn't recreate the mistakes of their past.  I feel the same about my Country.  We need to listen to past generations and study the leaders who came before us; for the torch has been past once again. 

My goal is to help teach the next generation that the American Dream is living, breathing, and true for those who wish to work diligently for a better life.  The Declaration of Independence guaranteed and outlined our rights in accordance with the word of God.   I accept that I have but one Life.  I accept that Liberty is my birthright.  And finally, I cherish Pursuing Happiness.

What is my goal for the future?  I wish to leave this Land better than I found it for that next generation of Americans.  One day it will be their time to lift our flag with pride; high above our plains, bluffs, and rivers.  I wish to see them pledge allegiance to their Country with their hands over their hearts.  I pray they find that shining city on a hill that President Reagan once spoke of, and build a home. 

May our children never see another Pearl Harbor or 9/11, because we chose to stop evil in its tracks.  May we always remember those who gave their lives so we could disagree publicly, yet yield rationally through a peaceful transfer of power.  May we foster the goodwill in our citizens who pray beside us on any given Sunday.  And may God remain the hallmark of a wanting and anxious nation…for in His strength will come the peace we all seek as Americans.   May God bless us all, and May God Bless the United States of America.

Neal E. Boyd