Admiration for Suzi Hackett

I just finished my first conference call, which was with Suzi Hackett. Before I go into what was said and my thoughts on the call, the first thing we were told was of a new video release by the Paul Hackett campaign called "Sacrifice". I have uploaded it so that you can see it here or you can go to Hackett for Ohio to download this video/get more information.







This conference call was not on policy or direct issues related to Paul's campaign. It was a chance to talk with Suzi and to highlight what is an important issue for her, support our troops. As the video entitled Sacrifice shows, the families here at home are important. Suzi pointed out that most Reservists are not part of a military community and many times these families are without the emotional or other types of support that a military community provides. She talked very frankly about how difficult it was for her family to be without Paul, yet she also knew there were other families who have gone thru worse. Paul came home to them safe and unharmed. Others have not been so lucky. Suzi left no doubt that while it was difficult she understood, agreed and supported Paul's reasons for going to Iraq.

Given the focus of this conference call, I asked Suzi what she did to try to "recenter" herself since not only as a former military wife but now the wife of a man who is running for office it's obvious she has taken on alot to help support Paul in reaching his goal of winning this Senate Race in Ohio. It's apparent Suzi is a very honest person, she first stated she does not have alot of time for herself, but then shared running is her first love but she does escape from time to time to horseback ride. The Hackett Family is one that loves the outdoors so it's not suprising that would be one of Suzi's favorite ways to enjoy some quiet time to reflect. Despite her not being a big fan of the blogosphere, she does enjoy writing and is keeping a journal for each one of her children to give to them when they reach adulthood. As a parent, I agree with her that these types of journals end up being not only important to the parent while writing them but end up being a treasured item for their children later in life.

Suzi's professional background as a Child Psychologist was discussed as well as the topic of homeschooling. They had made the decision to homeschool but they are allowing their children to have the deciding factor in that decision. Their oldest daughter desired the more social atmosphere of a classroom environment so she is attending third grade with her peers.

I had read alot about Suzi during the OH-2 campaign, she is just as she comes across in the media. A devoted, loving mother and wife who not only supports her husband but remembers what last Christmas without Paul was like. She ended the conference call with a reminder to please seek out military families and let them know during this Christmas season that you support them, call them, send them Chrismas/Season Greetings cards...so? That is how I will end this as well.

update....Tulin at Victory06 has the audio and a transcript of part of Suzi's statement....