Resilience and Integrity

                     

Sen. Deb Fischer

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the community of Pilger. It’s hard to believe that only a year ago, twin tornadoes struck this community causing heartbreaking devastation. The past year has been tough. The town was literally and figuratively torn apart – nearly half the buildings and businesses were damaged. Pilger was battered, but not broken. 

Following the violent storms last June, I visited Pilger and saw this destruction firsthand. Amidst the tragedy, I found a symbol of resilience. In the empty footprint of a home there was a simple sign that said "family." The roof, walls, and contents of the house were gone, but the sign remained. This sign was a symbol. The bonds of family remain strong, and strong families build strong communities.

One year later, I returned to Pilger for celebrations following a year of rebuilding and renewal. I was inspired and truly moved by how far this community has come. Throughout this terrible tragedy, they banded together. They didn’t wallow in grief. They didn’t get lost in frustration or let it define them. Instead, they chose to rebuild and focus on the future.

Hard times test our strength and challenge our resolve. Pilger is blessed to have a tight-knit community that supports each other during the toughest of times. Part of the celebration was a ground-breaking ceremony for Pilger’s new Midwest Bank. The return of the bank is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the community’s residents. This step forward shows that people and businesses are ready to start anew. It is also a sign that more growth and opportunities will come. I have no doubt we will see many more accomplishments out of Pilger over the coming year. 

On a different note, President Obama has nominated Bob Rossiter of Omaha to be a federal district court judge for the District of Nebraska. I had the privilege of calling Bob to inform him of this wonderful news. After learning of a vacancy on the federal bench in Nebraska with the retirement of Judge Bataillon, then-Senator Johanns and I launched a statewide search. We accepted applications for more than four months before submitting Bob as our selection to the president. I am pleased the open and inclusive process Senator Johanns and I initially led together has resulted in the nomination of such a fine Nebraskan.

Throughout his long legal career, Bob has demonstrated the highest integrity, legal skill, professionalism, and dedication to the rule of law. He is currently a partner at Fraser Stryker in Omaha and is the president-elect of the Nebraska State Bar Association. He graduated cum laude from Creighton University School of Law in 1981, where he served as the editor of the Creighton Law Review. After receiving his law degree, he clerked for U.S. District Court Judge C. Arlen Beam. I am thankful to Bob for his willingness to enter public service, and I look forward to working with him through the confirmation process.

Nebraskans are resilient and possess the integrity and strength of character that makes our nation a better place. It is an honor to serve our state in the U.S. Senate, and I will continue to fight for you each and every day.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.