On May 3 several Maine veterans representing all services demonstrated their loyal support to Dick Campbell by joining him on stage at the State Convention in Augusta. As Maine veterans, we believe it to be very important that all veterans from the 2nd Congressional District know what Dick Campbell stands for and his strong support to all veterans.

The events of Sept. 11 have not only united our country but clearly demonstrated the increased need for a strong and ever-ready national defense. Long before the “awakening of Sept. 11” Dick Campbell consistently strove to bring this deficiency to the public’s attention while other elected officials focused their priorities elsewhere.

Dick Campbell is the only candidate in the 2nd Congressional District race that has served his country by joining the armed forces. His knowledge and support of our national defense issues are real and not just lip service. The following represents a few of the veteran’s issues, which Dick Campbell supports:

. In order to effectively combat those forces who attempt to cripple our defenses, he strongly believes that our military intelligence agencies must be fully funded and not be subjected to continual congressional budget slashes as has been the case in past years.

. He supports full funding for the Department of Defense health programs, which were promised and guaranteed to all veterans, upon enlistment.

. He will support the authorization of concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veteran’s compensation.

. He will support the ability of Medicare-eligible veterans to use their Medicare benefits at VA health care facilities. Currently, they are denied the use of these benefits for non-service connected injuries or illnesses.

. He will ensure that effective procedures are in place to allow all military absentee ballots to be respected and counted.

. He will encourage state representatives to enact legislation which will encourage veterans to permanently reside in Maine by allowing a state tax-free status as is the case in Florida, Texas and many other states.

. As a strong supporter of various military organizations – VFW, American Legion, Navy League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Association of the U.S. Army, U.S. Airforce and U.S. Marine Corps, Dick Campbell has strongly supported local events such as:

. Sponsoring legislation for the Purple Heart License Plate for the state of Maine.

Conceiving, designing and constructing Freedom Park in Brewer and will officially dedicate the North to Freedom Slave statue on Memorial Day.

. Conducting numerous speaking engagements at the VFW, Navy League, Purple Heart Association and other veteran’s organizations.

. Receiving endorsement from the National Veterans Voting Bloc.

Perseverance and hard work are trademarks of Dick Campbell; a man of honor, integrity, character and strong beliefs for the people of Maine. He fully understands the sacred belief that the defense of our country and the freedom it provides are the pillars of this great nation. We need political leaders who will never waiver in supporting this belief.

We request that all Maine veterans support Dick Campbell for U.S. Congress.

This commentary was written by Maj. Gen. Jay Benton, USAF (retired) of Bangor; Brig. Gen Dave Allen, USA (retired) of Otis; Capt. Tom Kelly, USN (retired) of Blue Hill; Sgt. Maj. Dick Giffard, USA (retired) of Brewer and Neil A. Williams, Military Order of the Purple Heart of Greenville.