252 Iowa Vetrans for Obama

The Obama campaign today announced the support of 252 Iowa veterans - including 55 who caucused for Senator John Kerry in 2004. At a Memorial Day reception in Davenport tonight, Senator Obama will speak to veterans and call for a significant improvement in the mental health care of our service members upon their return from duty.

Though more than 1.6 million service members have been deployed since September 11, 2001, there currently is no comprehensive plan to prepare for their return. The Pentagon reports more than 1/3 of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychological problems, yet there is a shortage of mental health professionals to treat them. Obama, who is a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, outlined a plan for the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to meet the lifetime mental health needs of our service members and their families.

"When our veterans come home, we want to do more than slap a yellow sticker on the back of an SUV," Obama said. "We want to honor their service with health care if they get hurt and support for their families. It is our solemn promise to renew our sacred trust with the men and women who serve this country. It is time to provide them with a plan that is worthy of their courage and will help build back the military they love."

At today's event, the Obama campaign unveiled a list of 252 military veterans who have publicly declared their support for Senator Obama. Veterans will play a critical role in Obama's grassroots campaign by reaching out to fellow veterans and other Iowans and talking about Senator Obama's ability to bring the country together and end the war in Iraq.

World War II Veteran Jack Dewey of Urbandale is a former Veterans for Kerry statewide co-chair and one of 252 Iowa veterans for Senator Obama. "Barack Obama has earned my respect and support," Dewey said. "He was against the war in Iraq from the very beginning and wasn't afraid to speak out against it, even when it wasn't popular. Obama not only has what it takes to bring our troops home; he has the foresight and wisdom to guide our future foreign policies."



the complete list is on PDF. Here is a link and you can find the ;click here' about half way thru the article to go to the list of vets.

http://www.barackobama.com/2007/05/28/post_1.php

http://iowavetsblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/three-star-general-promotes-obama-as.html

Thursday, July 19, 2007
Three-Star General Promotes Obama as Next Commander in Chief
Sen. Barack Obama may not have been in Iowa Wednesday, but his presence was felt during his campaign’s “Commander in Chief” Tour. “Obama has not served in the military, but it was clear, when I watched him bond with our soldiers stationed in Africa, that Obama loves the military,” retired Air Force General Scott Gration (below) told a crowd gathered at the Solon Public Library. “Barack understands how valuable our soldiers are and the sacrifices they’re making for our country. He understands that this is a force that cannot be squandered and must be used at the right time to preserve our interests. That’s why Obama should be our next commander in chief.”

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Way to go Iowa Veterans! :patriot: