McCain 2008 Announces Virginia Veterans for McCain

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the Virginia Veterans for McCain, a statewide grassroots organization that will work to bolster John McCain's support within Virginia's veterans' community. With members from all 11 congressional districts in Virginia, the group's membership spans generations, including veterans from World War II to the combat operations in Iraq.

Virginia's Veterans for McCain held press conferences today in both Arlington and Virginia Beach to formally announce the organization and endorse Senator John McCain's candidacy for President of the United States.

In Arlington today, Virginia's Veterans for McCain Chairman, and former Vietnam POW, Paul Galanti said, "John McCain has the experience, judgment and character to lead this country as Commander-in-Chief. John and I were both POWs, and I know he has an unshakeable character and unwavering dedication to country; always putting country above himself. That is why Virginia's Veterans are organizing and enthusiastically dedicating our time and effort to helping him win in November. We believe John McCain will be the best Commander-in-Chief that this nation has seen in a generation."

In Virginia Beach today, Veteran for McCain Vice Admiral Hank Giffin, said, "In the world we live in today, we need a leader like John McCain who has extensive national security and foreign policy experience. He is a leader who will work with our allies to secure a more peaceful world. With John McCain as Commander-in-Chief, we will make substantial progress in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The course Barack Obama advocates would weaken our security and could put peace further out of reach. Our nation will be strengthened with John McCain as President and Commander-in-Chief."

Senator McCain served for 22 years in the U.S. Navy, including 5½ years as a POW, and was commander of the largest attack squadron in the Navy. During his military career, McCain was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

VIRGINIA VETERANS FOR MCCAIN GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP TEAM

Paul Galanti, Chairman
Kathy MacKenzie, State Coordinator
Phil Short, State Coordinator

VIRGINIA VETERANS FOR MCCAIN AREA GRASSROOTS COORDINATORS

First Congressional District Area Coordinators
Cord Sterling, Stafford
Lucian Niemeyer, Gainesville
Robert Hipps, Toano
Susan Hohenberg, Fredericksburg

Second Congressional District Area Coordinators
Ken Golden, Virginia Beach
Dave Winiker, Virginia Beach

Third Congressional District Area Coordinator
Seth Ginther, Richmond

Fourth Congressional District Area Coordinators
Wayne Ozmore, Chester
William Coburn, Carrollton

Fifth Congressional District Area Coordinators
Flint Engleman, Ruckersville
Thomas Grzymala, Keswick

Sixth Congressional District Area Coordinator
Robert James, Lexington

Seventh Congressional District Area Coordinators
Roger Sullivan, Richmond
Karla Boughey, Glen Allen
Jeff Prillaman, Midlothian
David Carroll, Richmond
Rudy Wadle, Manakin-Sabot
Don Kaiserman, Richmond

Eighth Congressional District Area Coordinators
Jerry Lipson, Alexandria
Bill Meierling, Arlington
Dick Thompson, McLean
Jim Davison, Arlington
Steven Primrose, Falls Church

Ninth Congressional District Area Coordinators
Shea Cook, Richlands
Paul Spangler, Bristol

Tenth Congressional District Area Coordinators
Charles McKinney, Ashburn
Shannon Kellogg, Leesburg
Glenn Yarborough, McLean
John Hunter, Arlington

Eleventh Congressional District Area Coordinators
Jim Hyland, Fairfax
Art Narro, Burke
Lex Fleming, Fairfax

Washington, DC District Area Coordinator
John Pickering, Washington, D.C.

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