Cold War Veterans Blog

Vets For Freedom

VFFPAC Honors all Veterans this July 4th

Dear Vets for Freedom PAC members: As we all prepare to celebrate the 232nd birthday of this great nation, we as veterans have a duty and solemn responsibility to honor all of those who have worn or are currently wearing the uniform of the United States of America. Among the millions who share this common bond, 31 Presidents have had the honor and privilege of serving in our Armed Forces. Today, as sacred guardians of our constitution, we are shocked that United States Senators and trusted loyal advisors to presidential candidates think that being a veteran and fighting for America is NOT a qualification to be President. If service to one's country in armed combat is not a qualification to be Commander in Chief, what is? For several months now we have observed the irresponsible judgment of some of Senator Obama's most trusted and loyal advisors as they have unfairly attacked the notion that a veteran is not qualified to serve as President. Here are several examples of this poor judgment by Obama's supporters and advisors: "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President." – General Wesley Clark, Obama Advisor and Surrogate, June 29, 2008. "Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous…it's one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that's just how you're steeped, how you've learned, how you've grown up." – Senator Tom Harkin, May 16, 2008. "... I think that the notion that the members of the Senate who were in the ground forces or who were ashore in Vietnam have a very different view of Vietnam and the cost that you described than John McCain does because he was in isolation essentially for many of those year…So I think ... to some extent his national security experience in that regard is sadly limited…" – Rand Beers, Obama Foreign Policy Advisor, June 30, 2008. "McCain should calm down"..."on using military service…" – Senator Jim Webb, Obama Supporter, July 1, 2008. DONATE HERE TO HELP US FIGHT AGAINST VETERAN BIAS Vets for Freedom's 'Super Tuesday' Yesterday, Vets for Freedom rolled out the endorsements of 5 more candidates running for the United States Congress, most who have worn the uniform, all who strongly believe in the mission of our organization, as well as our nation's efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terror. Our candidates include extraordinary Americans – patriots such as Tom Manion, who spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and who gave his son in service to our country. I encourage you to watch his VIDEO made in honor of his son Travis, who lost his life in Iraq in 2007. Below are all of our candidates – help us support them by visiting their websites. Tom Manion (PA-08) is a former Colonel in the Marine Corps, successful business executive, and Gold Star Parent whose son was killed in Iraq. Steve Stivers (OH-15) is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard who was awarded the Bronze Star for actions in OIF. Jeff Beatty (Senate–MA) is a former member of Delta Force, to FBI Hostage Rescue Team, to CIA's Counter-Terrorism Center. Mike Rocque (NY-20) is a former officer in the Green Berets and Delta Force. Allen West (FL-22) is a former LTC who served with distinction in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), and a Valorous Unit Award Lee Zeldin (NY-1) served in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division and continues to serve as a Captain in the Army Reserves. Duane Sand (ND-At Large) is a Commander in the Navy who served in Iraq, and aboard 3 nuclear submarines throughout the 1990's Kent Greenough (TN-04) is a former Marine whose family emulates service to ones country. Tom Rooney (FL-16) served as an Army JAG for four years before teaching Constitutional and Criminal Law at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Duncan Hunter (CA-52) signed up to serve our country the day after September 11th, and served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps. He remains in the Marine Reserves. John Cornyn (Senate–TX) is a first-term Texas Senator who is active in the Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong supporter of veterans and active duty military. Dean Andal (CA-11) is a strong supporter of the military and veterans, and is a member of the Employer Support Council for the US National Guard. Mark Ellmore (VA-08) is a Red Star parent whose son is currently deployed overseas in the Air Force. All of these men have either worn the uniform or understand what is at stake in the Global War on Terrorism, and will fight for victory if elected to Congress. Please visit our website for more information. DONATE HERE TO HELP US ELECT THEM AND OTHERS LIKE THEM Vets for Freedom PAC, or VFFPAC is a Political Action Committee whose mission is to help candidates—mostly combat veterans—who believe in achieving success in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the overall War on Terrorism, get elected to the United States Congress and other Federal positions. Established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on November 11, 2007, Veterans Day, VFFPAC will endorse and offer extended support through financial contributions and media assistance to federal candidates who support victory in the Global War on Terrorism.