PRESS RELEASE

May 1, 2008  

VA Directive requires that VA facilities create voter registration plans and provide information to assist veterans in voting   

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called a directive handed down by the Veterans Health Administration a major step forward in providing voter registration access to veterans in the department’s care. 

"I am hopeful that this apparent reversal will be one large step forward in the fight to protect the right of America's veterans to vote,” Senator Kerry said. “We will continue to monitor this situation motivated by one and only one principle: those who fight for democracy overseas shouldn't have to fight for democracy here at home."  

“The VA Directive seems to be a dramatic turnaround in granting veterans the access to voter registration that they rightfully deserve,” Senator Feinstein said. “This directive would require that all VA facilities develop comprehensive voter registration plans to assist veterans in voting. Given the sacrifices that these men and women have made, providing easy access to voter registration services is the very least we can do.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2008

Denneny Endorsed by Veteran's Group

Council for a Livable World's Veterans Alliance for Security and Democracy Cites Positions on National Security, Civil Liberties, Veteran's Rights and Services

Fairfax, VA- The Council for a Livable World's Veterans Alliance for Security and Democracy has endorsed Iraq war veteran Doug Denneny based on his positions on key national security and veteran's issues, the Denneny campaign said today. The group will also solicit contributions for Denneny for his campaign.

"I am honored to have the support of fellow veterans," said Denneny, a retired Naval Commander and Iraq war combat veteran. "Those of us who have served in uniform know how important it is to end the misguided war in Iraq, protect civil liberties and keep our promises to our veterans."

"We need more veterans like Doug Denneny in Congress," said Colonel Richard Klass USAF (ret.). "As a 22 year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Doug has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service. His experience in combat, on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon has prepared him to be a leader on issues of national security and a powerful advocate for veterans."

Denneny has also been endorsed by Votevets.org, a group that supports candidates who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and Representatives Patrick Murphy (PA), Joseph Sestak (PA), Phil Hare (IL) and Gene Taylor (MS). Representative Murphy is currently the only Iraq war veteran in Congress.

Commander Denneny served over twenty-two years as a U.S. Naval Flight Officer. He is a former TOPGUN instructor and commanded a Navy F-14 and F/A-18 fighter squadron. Denneny earned six air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" for valor during combat operations over Iraq. In 2004, he returned to the Pentagon and worked for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a special assistant and legislative liaison, and was selected to the rank of Captain. After retiring from the Navy, he continued his public service by being elected President of his large neighborhood citizens' association, by serving on three Fairfax County committees, and other numerous volunteer activities

By Lorin Walker 

My father has been missing in action for 36 years for a wrong and unjust war. I never imagined that we would begin a second travesty during my lifetime, let alone a third. The war in Iraq has been an abomination; it has been damaging to our nation and the world. It has made us monsters and the world less safe and has served to further destabilize an unstable region.  To contemplate and plan yet another invasion is unthinkable and unforgivable.

Diplomacy is what we should be (and should have been) focusing on. Both the U.S. and Iran have a vested interest in a stable Iraq; instead of using that tie to our benefit and that of the world, we are behaving like the biggest bully on the block.  My father would be ashamed; we all should be.

Great nations and great leaders talk; comprehensively, unconditionally and directly, capitalizing on shared interests and common goals.  Great leaders have the strength and fortitude to put down their weapons and offer a hand of reconciliation toward a positive goal.  Anything less is counter-productive.

It is time to honor the sacrifice of my dad and all who have fallen; it is time for the U.S. to reevaluate our positions and priorities. It is time to work for an inclusive world where talking is the first order of business, where our service members are called upon only after considering every angle and weighing all costs. Time to be as honorable as those who serve.