Executive Report - July 2026

John Reblin

Celebrate America!

I drive many miles for my day job, so I see a great deal happening across our state. Recently, I noticed freshly cut hay and clean fields and thought it seemed early in the season. Then I realized it was already nearing the end of May—the farmers were right on schedule, and it was I who hadn’t noticed how quickly the year was moving. I mentioned this to the “little flower,” talking about the work in the fields and how fast time slips by. She asked whether I missed baling hay and the other farm work, and I had to stop and think. Did I miss the hard labor? We didn’t have an elevator to lift hay from the wagon to the mow until later in my childhood, and my dad believed in using a wire baler that made the bales good and heavy. I was probably 14 or 15 before we modernized, and by then the work was a little less demanding. Even so, I enjoyed the effort and the satisfaction of seeing what we had accomplished. Yes, there was sometimes yelling and swearing when things needed repair or wouldn’t run right, but by the end of the day that was forgotten, and we sat down together for a meal and good conversation.

Summer is full of holidays that I hope we all take time to honor. We just observed Memorial Day, when we remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. I did not serve, but some of my friends did. I have always admired the courage it took for them, at 17 or 18 years old, to leave home, go through boot camp, and commit to years of military service in defense of our country.

June 6, 1944, marked the D-Day invasion of Normandy, a surprise assault against German forces intended to help free France from occupation. The operation required months of planning and strict secrecy to mislead the Germans about where the attack would come. Many lives were lost that morning as soldiers left landing craft and fought their way toward shore under sniper fire, artillery, and heavy resistance from fortified positions. Yet the Allied forces prevailed, and although the war was far from over, the beginning of its end had begun.

With the Fourth of July approaching, I hope you take a few moments away from the grill, parades, and celebrations to reflect on the birth of our nation. Think about the courage it took for those men to sign a document that could have meant death if they were caught. They understood the value of freedom from British rule and were willing to risk everything for it. Now, 250 years later, we are still working to preserve those freedoms, even when it sometimes feels as though they are slipping away. It is remarkable what this country has endured and that it continues to function as well as it does. No matter which side is in power, we generally follow the framework our founding fathers established. And when we do not, we still have ways to correct course and keep moving forward. I only wish there was more discussion and less partisanship in our public debates.

These three observances remind us of the courage of those who fought to win our freedom, defend it, and give whatever was necessary to protect it. It is a privilege to speak with those who served, to remember those we have lost, and to honor those who gave their lives in war.

I hope you are getting out to the fairs, parades, and meet-and-greets to talk with legislators at both the state and federal levels. Depending on whom you ask, there may or may not be a shift in control. Either way, we need to be ready. Early conversations and introductions can help us prepare for possible changes and build support for our legislative agenda.

By the time you read this, the Hummer will be over. I’m looking forward to a weekend with friends, good times, and great conversations, and I’m hoping for nice weather. Krissy and Worm are planning to bury a few bourbon bottles to help with that. According to Southern folklore, burying an unopened bottle of bourbon 30 days before an outdoor event at the exact time and place of the ceremony is supposed to keep the rain away and bring sunny skies—especially for weddings. I doubt anyone involved will get the date, time, and full bottle exactly right, but I hope the tradition works and keeps away the rain and cold. I also hope you made it up to your land and enjoyed the event. A great deal of time and effort went into planning it and preparing the grounds for everyone to enjoy. If you were there, I hope you stopped and said hello. I love to hear your thoughts on the event, the organization, or anything else on your mind. And it’s nice just to stop me and chat about life, motorcycles, or trade a few jokes.

Ride safe,

 John