Congressman Dana Rohrabacher visits Vanguard

This past week Vanguard had the opportunity to host Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. The Congressman came to share about his life and his career with Professor David Mansdoerfer’s O.C. Politics class. The rest of the Vanguard student body was invited to join.

Rohrabacher had many fascinating stories and shared some great insight. He was one of five people who toured the country with Ronald Reagan while he campaigned for presidency. He then was a part of Reagan’s white house staff and worked alongside him  writing his speeches. His main focus was helping Reagan fight communism.

He shared a story of the first time he met Reagan. He was a part of Youth for Reagan and went to Reagan’s house to ask for an interview. Reagan’s assistant told Rohrabacher that he had a booked day and asked him to leave.  As he was leaving, Reagan ran out to the driveway with shaving cream on his face and told him he would love to talk with him. That was the start of their relationship.

After Reagan left office, Rohrabacher decided he wanted to run for Congress. Many of his friends told him not to run but Rohrabacher was set on it. He told the students at Vanguard, “Don’t let anyone, even your best friends, talk you out of doing something you really want to do. If you do not set your goals high, you’re not going to get there”. He went on to run for Congress and won.

Rohrabacher is serving his 13th term in Congress. He is chairman of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee of the House of Foreign Affairs. He speaks on human rights around the world. He also spent nine years as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.

It was a pleasure to learn more about the congressman for the Costa Mesa area. He is an inspiration to our student body.