Tucson, Ariz. – Respected Southern Arizona veterans formally endorsed Gabrielle Giffords at a press conference earlier today in Tucson.

Giffords has also been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee. In his endorsement letter, VFW-PAC Director Salvatore J. Capirchio recognized Gabrielle’s “strong support for veterans, national security and defense and military personnel issues.”

Among the Arizona heroes who endorsed Gabrielle today was U.S. Marine Corps General John Cronin (Ret.), former Commanding General of the 4th Wing and former Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Cronin recognized Giffords’ support of the military’s strategic initiative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He also praised Giffords for “walking the walk” when it comes to supporting the troops.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian Kolfage, a UofA architecture student who was among the most seriously injured Iraq war veterans, spoke about Congresswoman Giffords’ work helping him get the care he needed and transition back home.

Retired General John Wickham, U.S. Army Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan, praised Giffords’ record in Congress, where she serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “Having worked with Congresswoman Giffords, I know first hand that she represents Arizona’s interests one hundred percent,” the general said. “She not only understands defense and veterans issues, but she provides rock solid support for them. I strongly endorse her re-election.”

Longtime Tucson businessman and U.S. Air Force and Arizona Air National Guard Captain Stan Abrams (Ret.) served as an active duty U.S. Air Force officer and later as an Arizona Air National Guardsman during the height of the Cold War. He offered a forceful endorsement of Giffords. “I have known and admired Gabrielle since she ran her family’s tire company here in Tucson. She had a strong understanding of the needs of our business community even then. She did an outstanding job during her time in the Arizona legislature and has lived up to that standard since being elected to Congress. Gabrielle’s work for the veteran community and her strong support of Davis-Monthan and the Air National Guard are especially impressive and will produce long term benefits for Arizona’s economy. I cannot think of any better champion for Southern Arizona than
Gabrielle.”

U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Bob Berry (Ret.) served in both World War II and the Korean War. Berry praised Giffords’ hard work for Arizona veterans. “Gabrielle is the most sincere, loyal person to veterans issues I’ve ever known. She works tirelessly to make a better life for veterans. She is the best friend veterans have ever had in Arizona.”

U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert Gent (Ret.) expressed support of Giffords’ work for Arizona’s 8th District. Gent said of Giffords, “Gabrielle is everywhere representing our district on the key issues. She cares about veterans and defends our rights. She understands the complexity of border security and takes action to protect us. She enthusiastically promotes solar energy for Arizona. This is something we should all be doing. It’s time to stop importing foreign oil. I am amazed that she is able to do so much for our district, and we endorse her re-election wholeheartedly.”

“In the military, we evaluated leaders by their performance in a crisis,” said U.S. Navy Captain Chris McNamara (Ret.). “The good ones were calm and well-prepared; they unceasingly pressed towards a solution, engaging any and all who might contribute to that solution. They did not panic, they were not shrill, and they did not pontificate. Gabrielle Giffords is a very good leader. We can ill-afford to lose her as our representative just when her leadership traits are needed most.”

Sr. Master Sargant John Soltero, Sr. (Ret.), USAF, and his son, Chief Warrant Officer John Soltero, Jr. (Ret.), U.S. Army, also endorsed Giffords at today’s press conference.

Also endorsing Giffords today is U.S. Army Iraq war veteran Mat Randle. “As a veteran, knowing I have the benefits that I have earned and things that I need to be successful, like the GI Bill and VA healthcare, means a lot. American soldiers gladly go where this country asks them to go. It’s important that when we come home that’s not forgotten. It’s very clear to me that Gabrielle does not forget what we have done and what we continue to do. Gabrielle has held her end of the bargain. She has kept us at the front of what she does.”

Giffords was previously endorsed by former Arizona Army and Air National Guard Adjutant Gen. David Rataczak (Ret.); Sierra Vista Mayor Robert Strain, a thirty-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force; and U.S. Air Force Maj. General Bill Van Dyke (Ret.), the former Arizona Adjutant General.

In his endorsement, General Rataczak described Giffords as a “tireless fighter for the 162nd Fighter Wing, working to ensure the future of its missions at Tucson International Airport as well as the millions of dollars it pumps into Southern Arizona’s economy every year.”

General Van Dyke, the former Adjutant General of Arizona and a life-long conservative said, “I have known Congresswoman Giffords for a number of years and my respect for her integrity and moderate approach to issues continues to grow. Her concern for our men and women in the service of our country is especially noteworthy. Frankly, even though I have been a life-long conservative, I find that Congresswoman Giffords brings a sense of thoughtfulness and moderation to any issue, and I like that… [S]he is not an emotional, ‘shoot from the hip’ politician. When Gabby shoots, it’s on target.”

Giffords is the only member of Congress with a spouse serving on active duty in the military. Her husband Mark Kelly is a U.S. Navy Captain and NASA space shuttle commander.

###