Run Pete, Run!
If Colonel Pete runs for congress, who will know first?

(Lt. to rt.) Charleen Miller, 91 year-old Ruth Ann and Colonel Pete Stiglich celebrating Ruth Ann's 90th birthday last year. Who is Colonel Pete? To 90 year-old Ruth Ann Stiglich. he is the original "Sweet Pete," (Pete Sampras was only the second person deserving of the title because he was known for being so nice). Colonel Pete, Ann's oldest son, retired early from the Air Force to spend the last years of his dad's life with him before he died of Alzheimers. Stiglich didn't make it back home in time for his dad to recognize him. To his dad he was now the guy who always checked with him to see if he wanted to go on a ride to the store, the local dump, or just about anywhere. The two were inseparable and enjoyed one another's company immensely. To Ruth Ann, Colonel Pete is the son who came back home to help carry her through these final years of a long goodbye. Although her husband didn't remember being married in the later stages of his disease, Pete remembered whose son he was and Ruth Ann was not going to go through these final years alone. Stiglich identifies with Mike Reagan's description of Ronald Reagan who came to know Michael only as the friendly guy he always hugged goodbye. Stiglich understands and commented one time that, "Those little touches of recognition are treasured when that is all there is left of being recognized at all." Colonel Pete, a reluctant bachelor, relished his mother's 90th birthday last year. Pete says, "In so many ways my mother is the source of anything I can say is good about me." Ruth Ann says she wants to see Pete become our congressman and that means more to Pete than he'd like her to know. Some have commented that Stiglich should be drafted to run in the 2012 congressional election! Others have asked if he'll run again. As of early September, he has not decided. But, he knows where his mother stands. We can be sure Ruth Ann will be the first one to know. ####