McCain Campaign Press Release - Oregon Veterans Unite Behind John McCain

LAS VEGAS, NV -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the leadership of Oregon Veterans for John McCain, a statewide grassroots organization that will work to bolster John McCain's support within Oregon's veterans' community.

"John McCain recognizes and understands the sacrifices of those who serve our country in the armed forces. John McCain served our country heroically for 25 years in the Navy including 5 1/2 years in the Hanoi Hilton,'" said Congressman Denny Smith, Honorary Co-Chair of Oregon McCain Campaign. "John McCain has put our country's interest ahead of his own self-interest through his bipartisan work in Congress and his military service. He has worked tirelessly to improve veterans' health care by introducing several bills to ensure equal access to quality care, including a bill to restore coverage to retired service members."

Greg Wooldridge, Chairman of Oregon Veterans for McCain, added: "Barack Obama met with our military men and women serving on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan to talk about what he has done to support them. Yet, in May 2007, Barack Obama was one of only 14 Senators to vote to cut off critical funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Had Barack Obama had his way, our troops would not have had billions in vital equipment. Senator Obama continues to play politics with our nation's foreign policy by announcing his plan for Iraq and Afghanistan before his fact finding' trip, further proving that John McCain is the only candidate with the courage and judgment to lead our country at this time."

McCain's campaign announced the leadership of Oregon's Veterans for John McCain today at a press event in Wilsonville that featured veterans across generations and branches of the military.

OREGON VETERANS FOR JOHN MCCAIN LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leadership

Congressman Denny Smith, Honorary Co-Chair of Oregon McCain Campaign, Salem Greg Wooldridge, Chairman of Oregon Veterans for McCain, Portland

Coalition Members

Russ Walker, Keizer

John C. "Jake" McMichael, Wilsonville

David Flores, Portland

Dave Hoover, Canby

Don Bourgeous, Portland

Paul Bourgeous, Portland

Sharon Claflin, Portland

David Strong, Wilsonville

Bill Adams, Beaverton

Mike Fitz, Bend

John Wight, Eugene

Mark L. Rathburn, Eugene

Dr. Pat Marmion, Portland

Ray Anderson, Portland

Rupert Fixott, Portland

Ken Hergenhan, Portland

Bru ce Brossard, Portland

Troy Ferguson, Portland

M. Alex "Tex" Harkins, Portland

Eric Watkins, Tigard