McCain Campaign Press Release - Pennsylvania Veterans Unite Behind John McCain

COLUMBUS, OH -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the leadership of Pennsylvania Veterans for John McCain, a statewide grassroots organization that will work to bolster John McCain's support within Pennsylvania's veterans' community. The group was hosted and introduced by Marine Corps veteran and Allegheny County Republican Party Chairman Jim Roddey.

"John McCain's life has been defined by putting his country first, and veterans throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania know that he will continue to put them first and work tirelessly to improve their health care and their way of life," said State Senator Bob Robbins. "While his opponent has said no to veterans and their families, John McCain has worked tirelessly to improve veterans' health care and ensure that veterans have equal access to quality care regardless of where they live."

State Senator Bob Robbins graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1966. He served as Company Commander with D Company, 501st Airborne Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. During two tours of duty in Vietnam, he received over a dozen medals for his service to his country. Robbins was honorably discharged in 1971 from the Army with the rank of Captain.

"Veterans know leadership when they see it, and John McCain's service to his country is one of the many qualities that will make him a great Commander in Chief," said James Warner. "I have seen John McCain inspire and lead under trying circumstances, and have witnessed his willingness to put his country ahead of all else. As President, John McCain will continue his long record of fighting for the rights and benefits of those who serve and protect our freedoms."

James H. Warner is a retired attorney. He was a policy advisor to President Ronald Reagan from 1985 until 1989. He was a Marine officer in Vietnam and was held as a POW with Sen. McCain, in North Vietnam, for five and a half years.

PENNSYLVANIA VETERANS FOR JOHN MCCAIN LEADERSHIP TEAM

State Chair
Tom Lynch, Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Statewide Veterans Leadership Committee
State Representative Bob Bastian -- Somerset

Barbara Cross -- Carlisle

John Patten -- New Holland

Dominic DeFransico -- Middletown

Bob DeSousa -- Harrisburg

State Senator John Pippy -- Moon Township

State Senator Bob Robbins -- Greenville

Jim Roddey -- Pittsburgh

Other Pennsylvania Veterans for McCain
Ryan Aument -- Quarryville

Dave Battaglia -- Kittaning

David Bayne -- Plum

Frank DeCarlo -- Pittsburgh

Carl Duda -- Greensburg

Jim Flaherty Pittsburgh

David Hadley -- Pittsburgh

Ronald Metros -- Uniontown

Lou Nudi -- Pittsburgh

Jack Roberts -- Millvale

Rodney Rudduck -- Indiana

Frank Sims -- Pittsburgh

Charles Stevenson -- Indiana

Richard Wingerter -- Belle Vernon