I have always felt that service to our great country and its people is one of the highest aspirations a person can have. I answered the call to serve before: first as a Marine and again in Iraq. Now, I am standing up and answering the call to serve Nebraskans in Congress in hope of building a strong Nebraska and a strong America.

I know I am a young candidate, and my opponent might have some connections that I lack; however, my Nebraska upbringing and service in the Marines leave me with a lot of experience that he will never have. I was raised and educated in a hard-working, middle class family in northeast Lincoln. I am grateful for and proud of the strong Nebraskan work ethic and family values that I, like many of you, have developed. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our children inherit a strong Nebraska that they too can be proud of and excel in.

My experiences as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and service to our country in Iraq have left me fully aware of the challenges we face as a country. My time in the Marine Corps built upon the foundations of my Nebraskan values and provided me with the skills and work ethic necessary to ensure a strong America, both at home and abroad. This is the foundation of who I am and how I will represent the people of Nebraska, and it is here that I begin my pledge to you.

First, I promise to do everything possible to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home. I promise that I’ll vote to improve the lives of the men and women who serve us in the military. Both while they are wearing the uniform and when they come home, they deserve our full, unqualified support. I will work to provide that support.

Second, I promise to fight for laws that give our middle class a fighting chance. Fair-trade laws that do not take unfair advantage of our belief in free and open trade. Immigration laws that do not open wide our borders for illegal exploitation of a low-wage labor force. Education that gives our students early access to the knowledge and technology that will define tomorrow’s jobs. I will work to reform our healthcare system and ensure that everyone has access to high quality, affordable healthcare. I will be a voice for the 37,000 uninsured Nebraska children.

Third, I promise to be a full partner with the community leaders here in the First Congressional District who are working to make our economy stronger, our university better, our schools more successful, and give us healthcare system we can be proud of. I will not impose a litmus test when I ask this question: What can I do to help?

So, my name is Max Yashirin, I’m a Marine, an Iraq War veteran from Northeast Lincoln, and I need your help, your support and your vote. I hope you’ll give me all three.