For the record, I am not a member of either party. Independent before it was popular. However I do find interest in whom the Fraternal Organizations endorse. Mitchell has clearly been a pal to veterans. For the record Senator McCain did not vote for the GI Bill.
My fellow Arizona Democratic Veterans:
Tempe – U.S. Rep. Harry E. Mitchell today earned the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Political Action Committee for re-election to the House of Representatives.
“I’m honored to have the support of the VFW,” said Mitchell. “The care of our veterans is not just a Democratic concern or a Republican concern – it is an American concern. Since coming to Congress, I have been working hard to deliver the benefits and care our veterans have earned. I strongly believe that our returning veterans have the potential to become our society’s most productive, innovative and successful members — and together, will create the next greatest generation.”
In their endorsement letter, VFW-PAC Director, Salvatore Capirchio, said that their support of Mitchell was based on his “strong support for veterans, national security & defense, and military personnel issues.”
In 2008, Mitchell partnered with U.S. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia to introduce and pass the 21st Century GI Bill. The New GI Bill is now providing significantly improved educational benefits to troops who served since 9/11, including thousands who served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and will ensure that our returning heroes have access to a full, four-year college education, including stipends for housing and books.
In 2009, Mitchell was presented with American Legion Department of Arizona’s ‘Distinguished Legislator Award’ for his work on behalf of our nation’s veterans. Previous Distinguished Legislator Award recipients include Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl.
Mitchell serves as Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Mitchell’s most recent work has focused on increasing outreach to veterans who need mental health services and are at risk of suicide. [Source: The Arizona Republic, “Taking time to consider those who really matter,” August 20, 2010]
Earlier this year, Mitchell was also recognized by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) as someone who “went above and beyond, not just voting in support of our veterans but also working behind the scenes to bring crucial veterans’ legislation to the floor.” [Source: IAVA Congressional Report Card]
for more and a copy of the Official VFW Endorsement Release visit
http://azdemvet.com/2010/10/17/veterans-of-foreign-wars-vfw-pac-endorses-harry-mitchell/ Thank you,
Bob Stelling
Chairman: the Arizona Democratic Veterans Caucus
Cell: 480-298-9771
azdemvetmaricopa@azdemvetmaricopa.com