750 Veterans Join Coalition, Support Gillespie’s Campaign for Governor
After announcing a detailed plan to improve veterans and military affairs policy in Virginia earlier this week, 2017 Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie today announced a ‘Veterans for Ed’ coalition. The coalition already has more than 750 members and will continue to grow in the coming weeks and months.
Released on Monday in Norfolk, Gillespie’s veterans and military affairs policy plan will improve career improve opportunities for veterans, enhance military and veterans voice in our government, support our military and their families, and care for our veterans and their families. This is Gillespie’s sixth major policy rollout in his campaign, and second since becoming his party’s nominee. Read the full plan HERE.
“We need a governor who will stand up for veterans and put forward policies that will allow for greater pathways to success in the workforce,” said Jack Curtis (Capt, USA); VMI, Class of 2010. “Ed Gillespie is bringing a refreshing perspective to this race, and I am proud to support his plan to improve military and veterans relations in Virginia.”
Jeanine McDonnell Zubowsky (Iraq War Veteran, USA) said, “Ed’s military and veterans affairs agenda reflects his sincere commitment to service and his solutions-oriented approach to leadership. It is clear that he is listening to Virginians across the Commonwealth, and he will be ready to address them on day one. There’s no question Virginia’s veterans will be well-served by Ed’s leadership.”
“As governor, Ed Gillespie will ensure that veterans are finally treated with the respect and support we deserve from our elected leaders in Richmond,” said Adm. Jack Kavanaugh (Adm, USN). “He understands the sacrifices we make in defending our country and his commitment to providing veterans with improved treatment options makes him the clear choice for governor this November.”
Congressman Scott Taylor (Former Navy SEAL) added, “This week, Ed Gillespie put forward thoughtful policies to address the serious challenges Virginia’s veterans face. He has made clear that he will fight for the men and women who have served our country, and he will be a strong Commander-in-Chief for Virginia’s National Guard. I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure our veterans receive the care they have earned.”
“Ed Gillespie’s Veterans and Military Affairs plan is the most extensive policy agenda that I have seen from any candidate for governor over the last 20 plus years,” said COL Bill Flanagan (USA). “The Gillespie-Vogel-Adams ticket will lead a strong, pro-veterans administration in Richmond. I am proud to endorse this plan and their candidacy to make Virginia the best state in the nation for veterans and their families.”
General Assembly Military & Veterans Caucus Chair Delegate Rich Anderson (Col, USAF) added, “Ed Gillespie is the clear choice for governor when it comes to supporting our veterans and military families. Ed’s policy agenda sends a strong signal that he will be the pro-veteran, pro-military, and pro-family governor that Virginia needs.”
Find a full list of ‘Veterans for Ed’ Regional Leadership below.
Northern Virginia
Delegate Rich Anderson Col (USAF)
CPT Sandy Liddy Bourne (USA)
SSgt Rick Canton (USAF)
LT Jennifer Chronis (USA)
SPC Bill Cleveland (USA)
Delegate Mark Dudenhefer Col (USMC)
LTC Carl S. Ey (USA)
LCDR Caroline Lane (USN)
Delegate Scott Lingamfelter COL (USA)
Senator Bryce Reeves 2LT (USAR)
Col Frank Wickersham, III (USMC)
LCDR Nguyen Van Tan (USN)
Central Virginia
SSgt Sean Davis (USMC)
COL Bill Flanagan (USA)
BG Bob Flores (USAR)
CAPT Karl Leonard (USCG)
CPT Jay McConville (USA)
1LT W. Canova Peterson (USA)
Col Al Pianalto (USAF)
LTC Elizabeth Stewart (USA)
SFC Reeva G. Tilley (USA)
PO2 Chris Winslow (USN)
Hampton Roads
CAPT John Ancellotti (USCG)
Col Bill Coburn (USAF)
CAPT Frank Driscoll (USN)
CAPT Kenny Golden (USN)
Delegate Rocky Holcomb LCpl (USMC)
RADM Jack Kavanaugh (USN)
CWO3 Ken Longo (USCG)
PO1 Michael Robinson USN
Delegate Ron Villanueva BM3 (USCG)
Iraq War Veteran 1LT Jeanine McDonnell Zubowsky (USA)
Shenandoah Valley
PO3 Dewey Ritchie (USCG)
Amn Earl D. Ritchie (USAF)
MSgt Jeffrey Roadcap (USAF)
Southwest
CPL Mike Honaker (USMC)
Delegate Todd Pillion MAJ (USA)
A1C Bill Rhodes (USAF)
Delegate Nick Rush SGT (USA)
SFC Larry Williams (USA)
Southside
MCPO Mark Cook (USN)
SPC Tommy Crews (USA)
SGT Guy Hankins (USA)
SGT Bobby Ray Reaves (USA)
Senator Frank Ruff (USA Veteran)
MAJ George Stephens (USA)