“Governor Romney has been outspoken in his commitment to our men and women in the military. Our troops need more support from Washington and Governor Romney will ensure that they have the resources they need to defend this country.”
“In February 2005, Romney filed legislation to increase benefits for Massachusetts National Guard members. Working with the state legislature, Romney developed the "Welcome Home Bill" which provides guardsman with reduced life-insurance premiums and free tuition and fees at Massachusetts universities and community colleges. The bill also increases daily state active-duty pay rate from $75 to $100, and increases the death benefit paid to families of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000. Additionally, the "Welcome Home Bill" creates a $1,000 bonus for Guardsman and reservists called to active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan since the September 11, 2001 attacks and a $500 bonus for those who were activated for duty elsewhere. The legislation provides a $2,000 benefit for Gold Star spouses and increases the Gold Star parents' benefit from $1,500 to $2,000.
“High school diplomas will also be granted to veterans who dropped out to enlist in World War II, Korea or Vietnam wars. Romney signed the bill into law on Veterans Day 2005.
“In a November 3, 2006 press release, Romney stated that the account that funds the insurance benefits created in the "Welcome Home Bill" faced a deficit of $64,000. The Massachusetts legislature was out of session at the time of the shortfall. According to the press release, Romney transferred money from the governor's office budget to cover the deficit.
“Working with the legislature, Romney developed legislation to provide tax exemptions to disabled veterans and benefits to families of fallen and missing soldiers. Romney signed the Massachusetts Military Enhanced Relief Individual Tax (MERIT) Plan into law on August 14, 2006. The bill increases property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and grants spouses of veterans killed or missing in action since September 11, 2001 full property tax exemptions for five years. After five years the spouses receive an annual $2,500 exemption under the legislation.
“Romney was also the first governor in Massachusetts history to appoint a secretary of veteran's affairs to his cabinet.
“Romney's efforts to assist Massachusetts servicemen were recognized by the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, which presented him with the Pro Patria Award and the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.”
Commanding Officer Capt Dennis E. Fitzpatrick gives the Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney a tour of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in May 2005 as part of celebrating Armed Forces Day.
“First, American foreign policy must be prosecuted with clarity and resolve. Our friends and allies must have no doubts about where we stand. And neither should our rivals. If the world knows we are resolute, our allies will be comforted and those who wish us harm will be far less tempted to test that resolve.
“Second, America must promote open markets, representative government, and respect for human rights...
“Third, the United States will apply the full spectrum of hard and soft power to influence events before they erupt into conflict. Resort to force is always the least desirable and costliest option. We must therefore employ all the tools of statecraft...
“Fourth, the United States will exercise leadership in multilateral organizations and alliances. American leadership lends credibility and breeds faith in the ultimate success of any action, ... But know this: while America should work with other nations, we always reserve the right to act alone to protect our vital national interests.
“In my first 100 days in office, I will take a series of measures to put these principles into action... Among these actions will be to restore America’s national defense. I will reverse the hollowing of our Navy and announce an initiative to increase the shipbuilding rate from 9 per year to 15. I will begin reversing Obama-era cuts to national missile defense and prioritize the full deployment of a multilayered national ballistic missile defense system. I will order the formulation of a national cybersecurity strategy, to deter and defend against the growing threats of militarized cyber-attacks, cyber-terrorism, and cyber-espionage...”
1.) We Need A Stronger Military. Our military suffered a dangerous decline under the Clinton Administration and has faced serious strains as we confront Jihadist threats following 9/11. To support our troops, we need to ensure we have the personnel and resources needed to maintain a strong America and safe world...
2.) America Must Become Energy Independent. Our economic and military strength require that we end our strategic vulnerability to an oil shut-off by nations like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, and that we address environmental concerns...
3.) We Must Transform And Strengthen Our Civilian International Efforts To Meet A New Generation Of Challenges. Many of our civilian national security and foreign policy structures were created decades ago to confront Cold War threats...
4.) We Need To Strengthen Old Partnerships And Alliances, And Inaugurate A New One, To Address The Threat Of Jihadism. The failures of efforts such as the United Nations Human Rights Council have given multilateralism a bad name. But America's strength is amplified when it is combined with the strength of other nations...
“Romney said he would like non-combat defense spending to rise from 3.8 percent of gross domestic product to 4 percent... commission new ships and aircraft, as well as grow the ranks of active duty personnel by about 100,000.”
“HILLSDALE, Mich. - In a speech to Hillsdale College graduates yesterday about confronting a world filled with evil, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said America should combat radical Islam by bulking up its military.
“ "There is no safe place if evil is unrestrained," the former Massachusetts governor said during his address at the campus 80 miles northwest of Toledo.
“ "The weak may hide, but they become weaker still, until at last they are discovered and easily conquered. History teaches us this: The best ally of peace is a strong America."
“Mr. Romney proposed adding 100,000 troops and keeping defense spending at 4 percent or more of America's gross domestic product, a remark that garnered applause from the families and friends of Hillsdale's 306 listed graduates. With $580 billion projected to cover the U.S. military and Iraq war this year, defense spending already is above the 4 percent mark.”
“Newsmax is pleased to present exclusive excerpts from Gov. Romney’s just-released book, “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness." In “No Apology,” Gov. Romney exposes how the Obama administration and even the Republican Party are failing to confront budget deficits, declining global competitiveness, a weakened military, inadequate healthcare, failing education, and our energy needs...
“There are some who may question the national objective I propose. I make no apology for my conviction that America’s economic and military leadership is not only good for America but also critical for freedom and peace across the world. Accordingly, as I consider the various issues before the nation, I evaluate our options largely by whether they would make America stronger or weaker.
“In my first chapters, I consider geopolitical threats and lessons from the history of great nations of the past. In subsequent chapters, I describe domestic challenges to our national strength and propose actions to overcome them. My final chapter is intended to provide a means for future Americans to gauge whether we have been successful in setting a course that will preserve America’s greatness throughout the twenty-first century. It describes as well the source of my optimism for America’s future...
“The world is a safer place when America is strong. Ronald Reagan remarked that “of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.” America’s strength destroyed Hitler’s fascism. It stopped the North Koreans and Chinese at the 38th parallel and allowed South Koreans to claim their freedom and reach prosperity. American strength kicked Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, and later pulled him out of his spider hole.”
“General Marks said, "Governor Romney has been outspoken in his commitment to our men and women in the military. Our troops need more support from Washington and Governor Romney will ensure that they have the resources they need to defend this country. I am proud to be joining Governor Romney's campaign. On national security issues, the Governor has distinguished himself as a true leader ready to invest in our national defense." ”
"Major General James Marks Retired From Active Duty In October 2004 After More Than 30 Years Of Service To Our Country. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, General Marks has more than three decades of experience in the Intelligence field. During his career, he held command and staff assignments from infantry platoon leader and infantry company commander in the 101st Airborne Division to senior intelligence officer for the Coalition Land Forces during combat operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He concluded his career as the Commanding General of the United States Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Currently, he resides in Virginia and is the President and CEO of Global Linguist Solutions, Falls Church, Virginia. He is a contributor to the BBC and was also a military analyst for CNN.
"His awards and decorations include: the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and the NATO Medal."
Supporting Mitt Romney as a counter-intelligence policy advisor is -
“Former Lieutenant General John "Soup" Campbell: Gen. Campbell retired after a 32-year career in the United States Air Force (USAF). In his last assignment, he served as the Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support for the CIA. In this position, Gen. Campbell was the senior military representative at the CIA. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Vice Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency and as the first commander of the Joint Task Force – Computer Network Defense. He also served on the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Operations. Gen. Campbell is the recipient of numerous military and intelligence community awards. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at Iridium Satellite. He had previously served at Applied Research Associates (ARA) as Principal, Defense and Intelligence.”
“Brigadier General Mikolajcik said, "Governor Romney's record on veterans' issues is very strong. He firmly believes that the commitment to our troops doesn't end when their service is finished and that we must take care of those who have sacrificed to protect us. I look forward to telling my fellow veterans in South Carolina of his plans to keep America secure." ”
"Brigadier General Thomas R. Mikolajcik Is An Air Force Academy Graduate With 27 Years Of Military Service. General Mikolajcik served in the Air Force as a pilot, staff officer and held numerous command positions. He retired in 1996 as United States Air Force Director of Transportation and is a consultant in logistics and transportation. The General is an adviser to the Metro Chambers Military Relations Policy Council and was awarded the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto in 1994."
“Lieutenant General Watts said, "Governor Romney understands the nature of the threats facing our nation and will make sure that our men and women in uniform have the very best training and technology to get the job done." ”
"Lieutenant General Claudius "Bud" Elmer Watts III Served As Comptroller Of The U.S. Air Force And President Of The Citadel. General Watts' Air Force career spanned 31 years during which he served in numerous flying positions, amassing more than 7,000 flying hours and commanding various units up to wing level. He also held numerous staff positions, culminating as Comptroller of the United States Air Force in 1986. General Watts was named the 17th President of The Citadel in 1989 and served in that position until his retirement in 1996."
“Gov. Romney is the only candidate to offer a detailed plan to restore our military and provide the weapons and equipment our troops need to win wars decisively and come home safely. He will reverse President Obama’s dramatic defense cuts and increase our naval shipbuilding rate. Rather than reducing the defense budget, he will reduce the duplication of efforts and apply those savings to strengthening our military posture. And he will restore as a top priority the deployment of a multilayered national ballistic-missile defense system.”
“Mitt Romney has been a strong advocate for veterans and will work to ensure that those who have heroically sacrificed for our country receive the care that they deserve,” said Lt. General Bud Watts, former President of the Citadel. “We need a Commander-in-Chief who will support our veterans and troops, strengthen our military, and strengthen our national defense. Mitt Romney believes in America and in the founding principles that make our country great, and he is the kind of steadfast leader we need during these challenging times.”
“Our nation is at a crossroads, and Mitt Romney is the best choice to lead our country through these challenging times,” said Greenville County Council Chairman and retired Brigadier General Butch Kirven. “He is a strong leader who we can trust to restore limited government to Washington, cut spending, grow our economy, and get our nation back on the right track. I was looking for someone who reflects my values, is strong on national defense, and knows how to get the economy going again. Mitt Romney is the leader who can positively do that, and he can win in November.”
Harvey Schiller, Former Brigadier General US Air Force
“Dr. Schiller is a former Executive Director and Secretary General of the United States Olympic Committee and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force who saw combat service in Vietnam and attained the rank of Brigadier General. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of Global Options Group, a leading risk mitigation company.”
Mitt Romney today announced the support of Medal of Honor recipients Sergeant John F. Baker, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Captain John James McGinty, III (USMC, Ret.) ...
“America is a truly exceptional nation,” said Sergeant John F. Baker Jr. “Mitt Romney understands our special place in the world and knows that a strong America is the greatest deterrent to war and upheaval. He is committed to building up our armed forces, so that no nation will ever dare challenge us. I am proud to support him.”
Announcing his support, Captain John James McGinty, III said, “It is my pleasure to endorse a patriot like Mitt Romney. He has a deep understanding of the complex world our current military faces and will be ready to assume the duties of commander-in-chief on day one. For those who are looking for a candidate with the knowledge to navigate in an unpredictable world, they need to look no further than him.”
Anthony Principi, The Secretary Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs (2001-05)
Jim Nicholson, The Secretary Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs (2005-07)
Principi and Nicholson issued a joint statement: “Mitt Romney cares about our men and women in uniform, our nation’s veterans, and their families. He has spent his career leading organizations and strengthening their performance, and under a Romney administration those who have served our country can be assured their Department of Veterans Affairs will be there for them. We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. Governor Romney will ensure that veterans receive the world-class medical care and benefits they deserve, and supply the men and women in uniform today the military they need to win wars and come home safe.”
Conference Call that starts with Reagan cabinet member Ambassador Rich Williamson, then goes to Secretary John Lehman and Under Secretary of Defense Dov Zakheim:
Secretary John Lehman:
“Well, first, the reason that I have been actively supporting Governor Romney is I’ve spent a lot of time with him. And he is, without question, the Republican who really gets it in defense. He has a strategic mindset. He understands the way of the world works. And he understands the importance of strong deterrence. He has been able to grasp, I think very quickly, what is so severely wrong with the way we’re procuring weapons, which is just out of control and is unilaterally disarming us.”
Dov Zakheim:
“What attracted me to Governor Romney frankly is that he’s grounded. I mean this is a person who really has both feet planted on the ground. Who’s very practical, who understands national security, who understands international relations, who knows the importance of our allies, who knows why a defense posture that is viable and strong is critical, not only to deterring enemies but frankly to reassuring allies. And they’re both very, very important. And that’s why he supports a strong national defense posture.”
• John Lehman was Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan, from 1981-1987. (John Lehman)
• Dov S. Zakheim spent 6 years in the Reagan administration, including a Deputy Undersecretary of Defense from 1985-1987. He was the Undersecretary of Defense from 2001-2004. (Dov Zakheim)
HUMOR - JOKES
