America needs a leader who will face head-on the very real threats to our way of life. We must elect a president who will fight terrorism, not ignore it. We must elect a president who will unleash our economy, not stifle it. And we must elect a president who will create opportunity, not kill it. I know from experience Donald Trump is that president.

I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Trump through the Trump Leadership Council, an independent group of business leaders whose purpose is to engage Mr. Trump on important policy issues. I am a member of this group as an advocate for American industry and innovation. After personally visiting with Donald Trump and observing first-hand his intelligence, charisma and resolve, I instantly became an advocate for him and his vision to make America great again.

As former chairman and CEO of one of the largest energy contractors in the world and a former vice chairman of the global financial services firm Duff & Phelps, I've learned a lot about leadership over the years. First through athletics, which allowed me to become my family's first college graduate. Over my years of traveling the globe, I've learned how to recognize a good leader when I see one. A good leader listens. A good leader is thoughtful. And a good leader is open to wise counsel. The Donald Trump I have met personally epitomizes all of these qualities. His outstanding leadership is reflected in his business success, but even more importantly, it is reflected in his family.

As a patriot who served two combat tours in Vietnam, I understand and care deeply about protecting our country. I cannot sit idly by as our nation slides into a precipitous fall. For too long, Washington has ignored our nation's biggest threat – terrorism. With almost daily attacks, Americans have come to fear even the most routine tasks such as taking a flight, shopping at the mall, going to work and sending our children to school. Under Donald Trump's presidency, Americans will be able to eliminate these fears and focus on all the benefits of being citizens of our great country.

As someone who started out at 10 years old punching the clock at a meat plant in West Virginia coal country, I've experienced the American Dream. Over the past 8 years, however, the American Dream has been shattered for millions of hardworking Americans trying to make life better. In fact, President Obama's policies have created the first generation of Americans on track to be worse off than their parents. America's median income is the same as it was 20 years ago. American businesses pay the highest taxes in the world and our nation ranks below Qatar, Chile, Taiwan and a dozen others in free enterprise. It's no surprise that for the first time in 35 years, more American businesses are shutting down than opening their doors.

Donald Trump cares immensely about America. He will restore our economy and our working class. He will strengthen our resolve to fight against those who wish to harm us. He will nominate Supreme Court justices who will protect our legacy as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Indeed, President Donald Trump will make our nation great, safe and united once again.