On Veterans Day, Bradley Byrne’s campaign for United States Senate announced the launch of their “Veterans for Byrne” coalition.
The campaign said more than 400 veterans from across Alabama lined up to support Byrne.
“Nothing means more to me than having the support from those who have served our great country,” Bradley said. “Our veterans have fought to defend the values that make America great, and I promise to do everything I can do to ensure those same values are protected and that the ones who have given so much to our country receive the benefits and support they deserve.”
The coalition is led by State Chair Lieutenant General Charles “Chick” Cleveland from Montgomery and Vice Chair Colonel John Reitzell from Huntsville. Each branch is represented by a chairman and each region of the state is represented by a veterans steering committee.
“No one has been a stronger fighter for our Alabama veterans than Bradley Byrne,” Coalition Chair Lieutenant General Chick Cleveland from Montgomery said. “When it comes to supporting our troops and veterans, Bradley Byrne is the only man for the job.”
Cleveland is one of America’s “Fighter Aces.” “Fighter Aces” are the country’s most distinguished fighter pilots. One earns the title of “Ace” after downing at least five enemy aircraft in combat. Cleveland earned his “Ace” status as a pilot in the Korean War, in which he shot down five enemy aircraft in the dangerous region known as “MIG Alley.”
“While some people in this race have attacked President Trump for not doing enough for our veterans, Bradley Byrne has been on the frontlines with President Trump to get better care and clean up the mess at the VA,” State Vice Chair Colonel John Reitzell said. “Talk is cheap. Bradley is actually getting the job done for our veterans, and I’m proud to support him.”
ARMY BRANCH CHAIR
“Bradley Byrne just gets it. He has been a tireless advocate for a stronger military and fought to get better care for our veterans,” Brigadier General Joe Stringham from Scottsboro said. “I have no doubt he will take that same fighting spirit to the U.S. Senate, which is why I am encouraging all my fellow veterans to support Bradley.”
NAVY BRANCH CHAIR
“I watched firsthand as Bradley stood up to the government bureaucrats and helped get us a brand new VA clinic in Southwest Alabama,” Captain Hal Pierce from Daphne said. “Bradley saw how our veterans were hurting, and he found a solution to our problem. That is the kind of fighter we need as our Senator.”
MARINE BRANCH CHAIR
“Marines know a thing or two about fighting, and I have seen enough to know that Bradley has the fighting spirit that we need more of in Washington,” Marine Corporal (Ret.) Don Fisher from Montgomery said. “Bradley won’t be intimidated, and I know he won’t back down from a fight. We need him representing Alabama in the Senate.”
AIR FORCE BRANCH CHAIR
“Bradley Byrne has always been a friend to Veterans and a supporter of our many Alabama national defense interests,” Colonel (Ret., USAF) Ken Tatum from Montgomery said. “Bradley has shown his commitment to making sure our veterans and servicemen and women receive the benefits and support that they deserve. He will make an outstanding U.S. Senator.”
COAST GUARD BRANCH CHAIR
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Bradley Byrne over the years, and he is exactly the type of person we need representing us,” Captain Duke Walker from Mobile said. “Bradley understands the issues facing our state and our country, and he knows how to get the job done.”
NORTH ALABAMA STEERING COMMITTEE
Sergeant Rusty Robbins, Marine Corps, Tuscumbia
Lieutenant Colonel James “Jim” Terrell, Army, Huntsville
Sergeant John Kane, Army, Hunstville
Petty Officer Second Class Murlin McRee, Navy, Huntsville
Sergeant Mike Ball, Marine Corps, Madison
Colonel Charles Orr, Air Force, Huntsville
CENTRAL ALABAMA STEERING COMMITTEE
Sergeant David Hogan, Air Force, Leeds
Private Carolyn Griffin, Army, Auburn
Sergeant Chuck Moore, Marine Corps, Wetumpka
Airman First Class, Steve Buchanan, Air Force, Brierfield
Sergeant Mason Dyess, Marine Corps, Tuscaloosa
Sergeant Johnny Baker, Marine Corps, Leesburg
SOUTH ALABAMA STEERING COMMITTEE
Captain Pete Riehm, Navy, Mobile
Dr. Barry Booth, Navy, Daphne
Sergeant A.B. Grantham, Marine Corps, Mobile
Colonel Sid Vogel, Army, Fairhope
Corporal Bryan Dewberry, Marine Corps, Mobile
Gunnery Sergeant Shag LaPrade, Marine Corps, Enterprise
More and more Veterans are joining the coalition each day, and individuals can sign up to join the coalition at BradleyByrne.com/Veterans
