VETERANS ACROSS THE NATION PLEDGE SUPPORT TO MCCAIN
ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that more than 200 veterans from around the country have endorsed the Arizona Senator for President and are working in their states to reach out to fellow veterans on his behalf. Veterans supporting Senator John McCain have fought and represented the United States in every major conflict since World War II.
Lieutenant Colonel Orson Swindle flew over 205 fighter missions in Vietnam as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He was held as a Prisoner of War for more than six years in North Vietnam. Swindle has been awarded over 20 military decorations for valor in combat including two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Legions of Merit, and two Purple Hearts.
“I know John McCain, the man,” said Swindle. “We served many difficult years together as POWs in Hanoi and have been close friends for over 35 years. He has integrity, intellectual depth and honesty, courage in the face of adversity, and a life experience that sets him apart from others. I have seen his true character under the harshest of circumstances and I can think of no better person to bring us together as a people, and to lead our nation through one of our most difficult times, than John McCain.”
Sergeant Major Paul Chevalier is a life member of Portsmouth Emerson Hovey VFW Post 168 and has served four times as Post Commander. Chevalier has also served his fellow veterans as President of the Central Veterans Council of Portsmouth, VFW District 7 Commander, State Commander of the New Hampshire VFW, eight-time VFW State Legislative Chairman, member of the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, and member of the New Hampshire State Cemetery Council.
“As a fellow veteran, John McCain understands what it means to defend America and the values our nation represents,” said Chevalier. “As Commander-In-Chief, I know John McCain will lead our Armed Forces with a strong and decisive hand.”
Knox Nunnally is a former Marine Infantry Captain, Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, who was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
“As a veteran of three combat tours in Iraq as a Marine Infantry Officer, I am absolutely convinced that John McCain is the only candidate for president who understands the horrific consequences of losing this war and has a coherent plan for victory,” said Nunnally.
Vice Admiral Joe Mobley had a thirty-five year career in the United States Navy, including tours as the Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier USS Saratoga during Operation Desert Storm and Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. He spent five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, during which he shared a cell with John McCain for approximately six months.
“John McCain is an American hero. Whether in the skies over Vietnam, as a prisoner of war, or during his service in the United States Senate, John McCain has always taken principled stands,” said Mobley. “He has also been the first to stand up for what he believes is right and has always worked for those of us who have worn the uniform of our nation’s military.”
Senator John McCain stated his utmost appreciation for such an outpouring of support from his fellow veterans. “I am honored to have the support of these brave American heroes who understand, better than anyone, the sacrifices required of those who volunteer to serve their country on the battlefield,” said Senator McCain. “These men and women have put their lives on the line to defend America and I will do everything in my power to honor their sacrifices.”
