Pelosi’s PAC runs kitchen-themed ad against first female combat fighter pilot

By Mary Katherine Ham courtesy of HotAir.com

The first female combat pilot in U.S. military history would seem an unlikely target for a kitchen-themed attack ad, and yet that’s exactly what Nancy Pelosi’s House Majority PAC and Rep. Ron Barber have cooked up for Martha McSally, a retired Air Force colonel and pioneering A-10 pilot.

“Wall St. and Martha McSally—here’s what they’ve got cooking,” a female voiceover says as well-worn recipe cards pop out of a recipe box against a backdrop of fresh groceries. The ad features a photo of McSally on a recipe card alongside scribbled accusations like, “raise retirement age” and “essentially end Medicare.” The ad concludes, “McSally and Wall St.— a recipe for disaster.”

McSally, for her part, calls the accusations false and the ad’s theme “laughable.”

“The fact that they use this theme of Martha McSally in a kitchen cooking up recipes is…overtly sexist and insulting to any woman, but it certainly doesn’t fit specifically with me,” she said in a phone interview. “For crying out loud, I served 26 years in the military. I was too busy shooting 30 mm out of my A-10 at the Taliban and al Qaeda to spend any time in a kitchen.”

Continue reading at HotAir

Weiers Asks Cruz To Repudiate Endorsement From Top Supporter

Cruz Supporter Wants To Shut Down Luke Air Force Base

(GLENDALE, AZ) You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. One of the people Manuel Cruz proudly touts as an endorser is former State Senator Kyrsten Sinema. While many know about her far left politics, few know that she wants to close down Luke Air Force Base. Here is what she told the Arizona Republic:

I do not support our country’s trend of expanding and increasing militarization. The U.S. military spends more money on weaponry and equipment than many countries spend altogether. The money spent on planes that are too heavy to fly, missile systems that don’t work, and weaponry in numbers too large ever to be used should be used to create useful jobs for working people. For this reason, I do not support keeping Luke Air Force Base open.- Kyrsten Sinema

Cruz is aware of Sinema’s outlandish beliefs yet he still proudly lists her endorsement on his website. That’s because Cruz is a Vice-Chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party, and when he isn’t trying to get himself elected Mine Inspector or Mayor, he is trying to get liberals like Barack Obama and Kyrsten Sinema elected to office.

Weiers said, “Extreme partisanship prevents Mr. Cruz from distancing himself from politicians who would devastate Glendale. What is even more troubling is that Ms. Sinema is seeking a seat in Congress, giving her the ability to start making good on her threat to close Luke. If Mr. Cruz is serious about saving jobs in Glendale and preserving Luke Air Force Base, then he needs to publicly denounce Sinema’s statement and repudiate her endorsement.”

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NRCC Releases New Ad for Martha McSally in AZ-02

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Please support Martha’s efforts by visiting her website at http://mcsallyforcongress.com/

Does Ron Barber Support Obama Bullying Contractors to Illegally Keeping Quiet on Massive Layoffs?

NRCC

Dems Offer Taxpayer Dollars to Cover Legal Fees if Defense Contractors Don’t Send Pink Slips 

WASHINGTON — After 43 straight months of unemployment above 8.0 percent, America now faces even more devastating job losses due to across-the-board defense cuts, and contractors are legally required to warn of these imminent layoffs. Does Ron Barber agree with Obama’s attempt to illegally cover up the impact on defense jobs and make taxpayers foot the legal fees?

“Ron Barber thinks he can have his cake and eat it too, championing Obama’s job-killing policies and then covering up their devastating effects on the job market,” said NRCC Communications Director Paul Lindsay. “Barber and his party’s politically-motivated agenda is not only unsustainable, it’s motivated by their desperate attempts to deceive the public.”

Under law, defense contractors have to send notice of their plans to lay off workers. This comes as Democrats refuse to stop the looming tax hikes that will devastate small businesses:

“The White House on Friday told government contractors worried about fiscal cliff spending cuts to hold off on warning employees about possible layoffs. 

“The government said it would cover legal costs if contractors are forced to slash their payrolls because of the looming $109 billion in automatic cuts next year and are alleged to have violated the WARN Act.” (Jeanne Sahadi, “White House to Contractors: Hold Off on Layoff Warnings,” CNN, 9/28/2012)

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Senator McCain Calls Carmona Attack: “The Kind of Politics Arizonans Are Sick and Tired of”

Jeff Flake

Democrat’s attack won’t help a single veteran get better care

PHOENIX – Democrat Richard Carmona launched a desperate negative ad today accusing Jeff Flake of voting against our nation’s veterans and servicemen and women. United States Senator John McCain, a highly-decorated Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war, responded to the charge, saying:

“Dr. Carmona’s false and negative attack on Jeff Flake is exactly the kind of politics that Arizonans are sick and tired of. These kinds of attacks aren’t going to help a single Arizona veteran get better care. I’ve worked with Jeff Flake on veterans issues for 12 years, so I know first hand that his commitment to Arizona veterans is strong. I look forward to working with him in the U.S. Senate to further advocate for the men and women who have served our nation.”

Arizona’s Jeff Flake has a strong record of standing up for our nation’s veterans and servicemen and women, and that’s a record he will continue in the Senate. Below is a sampling of freestanding pro-veteran legislation that he has supported during his time in Congress. 

107th Congress

·      HR 4514 – Veterans’ Major Medical Facilities Construction Act of 2002

·      HR 4085 – Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2002

·      HR 4015 – Jobs for Veterans Act

·      HR 2540 – Veterans’ Compensation Rate Amendments of 2001, a bill that increased rates of compensation for certain veterans and their dependents.

·      HR 1696 – To expedite the construction of the World War II memorial in the District of Columbia

·      HR 1291 – Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001

·      HR 811— Veterans Hospital Emergency Repair Act

·      HR 801 — Veterans’ Survivor Benefits Improvements Act of 2001

108th Congress

·      S 1156 — Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act of 2003, an omnibus-type bill that enhanced health care authorities for veterans, authorized projects and new facilities, and enhanced personnel matters within the VA.

·      H Con Res 409 – Recognizing with humble gratitude the more than 16,000,000 veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II and the Americans whosupported the war effort on the home front and celebrating the completion of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in the District of Columbia

·      H Con Res 212 — Recognizing and Supporting the Goals and Ideals of the Year of the Korean War Veteran, and for other purposes

·      H J Res 91– Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944

·      HR 4231 — Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act of 2004

·      HR 4175 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004

·      HR 2297 – Veterans Benefits Act of 2003

·      HR 1911 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance cooperation and the sharing of resourcesbetween the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense

·      HR 1720 – Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act

·      HR 1516 — National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003, which directed the Secretary of the VA to establish six new national cemeteries.

·      HR 1460 — Veterans Entrepreneurship and Benefits Improvement Act of 2003, which would have created preferences for veteran-owned businesses within the SBA, among other provisions.

·      HR 1257 — Selected Reserve Home Loan Equity Act, which would have made permanent the authority for individuals who complete six years of service in the Selected Reserve to receive home loans guaranteed, insured, or made through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

·      HR 100 — Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which revised provisions with respect to certain civil protections and rights afforded to service members while on active-duty assignment.

109th Congress

·      S 1235 — Veterans’ Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006

·      H Res 1070 — Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of the House should actively engage with employers and the American public at large to encourage the hiring of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were wounded in service and are facing a transition to civilian life.

·      HR 6314 — Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program Extension

·      HR 5037 — Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, which protects funerals at national cemeteriesfrom protests.

·      HR 4843 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006

·      HR 4061 — Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005,which would have ensured that the CIO of the VA received all proper resources for IT systems, ensuring that veterans were being served by the best technology.

·      HR 3200 — Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005, which made permanent authorities previously passed by Congress that increased the maximum coverage under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs from $250,000 to $400,000.

110th Congress

·      H Res 1335 — Celebrating the 120-year partnership between the Government and State veterans homes

·      H Res 1291 — Expressing gratitude for the contributions of the American GI Forum on its 60th anniversary

·      H Res 1098 — Supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the American Veteran.

·      H Res 963 — Supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, and for other purposes

·      H Res 790 — Commending the people of the State of Washington for showing their support for the needs of the State of Washington’s veterans and encouraging residents of other States to pursue creative ways to show their own support for veterans

·      H Res 680 — Condemning the actions of September 7, 2007, resulting in damage to the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial

·      H Con Res 336 — Honoring the sacrifices and contributions made by disabled American veterans

·      H Con Res 5 — Latest Title: Expressing support for the designation and goals of “Hire a Veteran Week” and encouraging the President to issue a proclamation supporting those goals

·      HR 6445 — Veterans’ Health Care Policy Enhancement Act of 2008, would have enhanced several benefits for various veterans.

·      HR 5892 — Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008, the bill would have increased the number of veterans eligible for disability compensation by modifying the requirements for eligibility, and contained some other provisions.

·      HR 5856 — Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008

·      HR 5826 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008

·      HR 4169 — American Braille Flag Memorial Act, would have authorized the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans.

·      HR 3819 — Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008, which would have required certain veterans to be reimbursed for the cost of emergency treatment received in a non-VA facility, and other provisions.

·      HR 2239 — Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, which would have extended eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits to disabled servicemembers not yet discharged from the military but who are likely to be discharged because of their condition.

·      HR 2199 — Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007

·      HR 2192 – To establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would have established within the VHA an Office of the Ombudsman, responsible for serving as a last resort for veterans’ health care and benefits complaints and issues that cannot be resolved at a local or regional level and maintaining a public website with contact information for each patient advocate at each VA medical center.

·      HR 1538 — Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, would have established policy for care, management, and transition of servicemembers with serious injuries or illnesses.

·      HR 1527 — Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, would have provided greater access to care forveterans in rural areas.

·      HR 1470 — Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act

·      HR 1284 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007

·      HR 797 – Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act of 2007, which provided veterans who are blind in one eye and starting to go blind in the other eye eligibility for benefits right away, instead of waiting for them to go totally blind.

·      HR 612 — Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007, which would have enhanced medical care for combat veterans.

·      HR 327 — Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, this bill created policies to help deal with suicide amongst veterans.

·      HR 67 — Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007, this bill sought to improve coordination of outreach efforts within the VA.

111th Congress

·      S 3860 — A bill to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery.

·      S 1963 — Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, which enhanced policy for caregiver support, female veterans, mental health care, and other matters.

·      H Res 1746 — Recognizing and supporting the efforts of Welcome Back Veterans to augment the services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs in providing timely and world-class care for veterans and members of the ArmedForces suffering from PTSD and related psychiatric disorders

·      H Res 1385 — Recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.

·      H Res 868 — Honoring and recognizing the service and achievements of current and former female members of the Armed Forces.

·      H Res 866 — Expressing support for designation of a National Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who served our nation in times of war and conflict

·      H Res 398 — Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift’s success.

·      H Res 360 — Urging all Americans and people of all nationalities to visit the national cemeteries,memorials, and markers on Memorial Day.

·      H Res 291 — Recognizing the crucial role of assistance dogs in helping wounded veterans live more independent lives, expressing gratitude to The Tower of Hope, and supporting the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day.

·      H Con Res 238 — Recognizing the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home after serving in the Armed Forces, their heroic military sacrifices, and their patriotism in fighting for equal rights and for the dignity of a people and a Nation

·      H J Res 80 — Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and their families.

·      HR 4810 — End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010

·      HR 4667 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010

·      HR 4505 — To enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces.

·      HR 3685 — To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the main page of the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a hyperlink to the VetSuccessInternet website and to publicize such Internet website

·      HR 2990 — Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act, which would have adjusted retired military pay and grade for reserve members who are recalled to active status and who completed at least two years of service in active status, as well as other provisions.

·      HR 1293 — Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009

·      HR 1211 — Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act

·      HR 1172 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors

·      HR 1168 — Veterans Retraining Act of 2009, the bill would have provided financial assistance to unemployed veterans who were enrolled in a training program that teaches a skill that’s in demand.

·      HR 1089 — Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act, the bill would have helped eliminate a backlog of complaints filed with the Department of Labor by veterans who lost their job because of their military service.

·      HR 1037 — Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009, the bill would have directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot program to expand work-study opportunities for veterans.

·      HR 1016 — Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, which authorized advanced appropriations for VA medical accounts – this will ensure that in the event of a shut down or other partisan stalling, veterans’ health care will continue.

112th Congress

·      HR 4201 — Servicemember Family Protection Act, the bill would have amended current law to address custody issues.

·      HR 2646 — Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011

·      HR 1657 — To revise the enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans

·      HR 1627 — Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012

·      HR 1484 — Veterans Appeals Improvement Act of 2011, the bill would have established a VeteransJudicial Review Commission charged with reviewing and making recommendations to Congress to improve the appellate review process for veterans’ benefits.

·      HR 1383 — Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011, this bill corrected a serious problem related to S 3447 that would have resulted in AZ veterans having to pay more money out of pocket for their tuition.

For more information on Jeff Flake and why he’s running for the U.S. Senate, please visit his website at www.JeffFlake.com.

 

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Frank Antenori: A Response to Patrick Gatti

By Senator Frank Antenori

This morning, while perusing the local left wing rag (Tucson Weekly), I came across an article titled “Congressional Dreaming” written by propaganda specialist Mari Herreras.  It was about the Congressional District 1 race; in particular, it was discussing the “underdogs” in the race.  The article was essentially your standard ho-hum political diatribe until I got near the end and read this gem: “He portrays himself as a warrior, but he was in the National Guard, which I consider to be of lesser quality than full Army.”

Now one might think this might have come from a military loathing lefty; if you thought that, you’d be wrong.  Imagine my surprise when I saw the quote attributed to Republican Congressional candidate Patrick Gatti of Show Low.

This comment would have really set me off if it had come from the left, but the fact that it came from a Republican has ticked me off even more.

In my 20+ years in the military I served in combat with many National Guard and Reserve soldiers.  One of them was SFC Daniel Romero; a fellow Special Forces soldier assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Colorado Army National Guard).  Dan and his fellow 19th Group soldiers fought alongside my unit, the 3rd Special Forces Group, in Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda.  Dan was killed in action on April 15th 2002.  I can tell you no one even noticed, let alone mentioned the fact that he was in the National Guard.  To us he was a brother, a fellow Green Beret, who like many before him, laid down his life for his country.  To imply that Dan was a “lesser quality” soldier because he was in the Guard is nothing short of a complete insult. He was one of this country’s most skilled and proficient warriors; above all, he was a patriot.

Since September 11, 2001, the Arizona National Guard has lost seven soldiers in combat.  To be clear, Arizona has lost seven of her finest sons and daughters fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for our great country and our fine state. All were warriors and patriots, all were cut from the highest quality of American cloth.  To imply they were somehow “lesser quality” is disgraceful.

Every soldier, whether they be active duty, National Guard or Reserves, must meet the Army’s high qualification standards prior to being deployed; everything from physical fitness, combat skills, marksmanship, and Military Occupational Specialty (job) performance levels are evaluated.  These standards are so high that the Pentagon issued a warning in a 2009 report showing data that that 75% of the nation’s 17- to 24-year-olds are ineligible for Army service for a variety of reasons. Add in the washout rates during training, and that percentage grows even higher.  If anything, one can easily say that one must be of the highest quality to serve in the Guard and Reserve.

As far as I’m concerned the only one of “lesser quality” is Mr. Gatti who has demonstrated that he is ignorant of the skills and performance required to be in the Guard and Reserve, not to mention the contribution our Army National Guard and Reserves (a.k.a. Minutemen) have made to this country since the Army’s inception on June 14, 1775.  It is also pretty clear he does not deserve to represent anyone in Congress.

Senator Frank Antenori
Legislative District 30 (new Legislative District 10)

Governor Jan Brewer: Mourning the Loss and Honoring the Service of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry

Mourning the Loss and Honoring the Service of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry 

“This is a day of sorrow as Arizonans bid goodbye to one of our Nation’s heroes. United States Army Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry, of Scottsdale, Arizona, died July 22, 2012, after sustaining serious injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. At the time of the incident, Staff Sgt. Berry, 27, was serving in the Kandahar Providence of

Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Staff Sgt. Berry had been assigned to the A Company, 508th Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, in North Carolina. On this somber day, I encourage all Arizonans to take a moment to reflect upon the daily sacrifice of men and women in uniform such as Staff Sgt. Berry. Their bravery and selfless service protects and preserves the American freedoms we hold dear. Please join me in keeping Staff Sgt. Berry, his family and his fellow servicemen and women in your hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

“On Friday, July 20, President Obama ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff until sunset July 25, 2012, in remembrance of the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Today, per my order, lowered State flags in Arizona also will stand as special recognition and tribute to Staff Sgt. Richard L. Berry for his service and sacrifice to a grateful Nation. State flags will be lowered once more on the day of his interment, for which services are pending.”

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Congressman Flake Applauds Passage of Secure Border Act

Operational Control in Each Border Sector is Key to Achieving Border Security

Washington, D.C. – Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today praised the passage of H.R. 1299, the Secure Border Act, introduced by Congresswoman Candice Miller of Michigan.

The bill directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create for congressional approval a strategy for gaining operational control of the northern and southern U.S. borders.

“Given that the Obama Administration has given up reporting the level of operational control on the border, it’s no wonder Congress has to force them to come up with an approved plan to achieve it,” said Flake.

In 2011, Congressman Flake introduced in the House H.R. 1507, the Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011, which is focused on achieving operational control of the southern U.S. border by increasing border resources. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl introduced the legislation in the Senate. Among the 10 key provisions of the bill is the deployment of up to 6,000 National Guard troops and 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents to the United States-Mexico border by 2016. It would create additional Border Patrol stations along the southwest border and six additional permanent Border Patrol Forward Operating Bases and would upgrade existing bases.

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Travis Grantham featured in Afghanistan Aeromedical Evacuation Documentary

Watch this video that highlights the sacrifice of those who serve while caring for the heroes who have given all. I was honored to be a part of this documentary while deployed to Afghanistan. Keep in mind that this video focuses on those who survive their injuries. Many more have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms. God Bless America!

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Mitt Romney: Thank You

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David Schweikert on Memorial Day

Friends,

As we take time to spend with friends and family this Memorial Day, please join me in pausing briefly to remember all of the servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We should also take a moment to thank all of the Americans who have and are currently serving in our nation’s military.

It is because of their collective commitment to our country that we enjoy freedom others can only dream of.

With appreciation to those who make sacrifices for all of us,

CD-1 Doug Wade: Our Military Members and Families Deserve Better

While President Obama is politicizing the anniversary of the killing of al-Qaida terror leader bin Laden, Arizona Congressional District 1 candidate Doug Wade takes issue with the Obama’s defense budget cuts to military end strength. The following statement is made by Doug Wade as an entire quote:

According to the National Institute of Mental Health in its publication, “NIH Medline Plus,” America’s war veterans are at a high risk of suicide. The risk is so high, that the suicide rate among our serving military members now surpasses that of the general population.

Reserve and National Guard members are at a high risk. Between 2008 and 2009, there was a 36% increase in suicides among Army Reserve soldiers not on active duty.

Thinning our military forces during a time of war contributes to the combat stress that military members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, bring home with them. This is increased in great part because we demand more multiple back to back combat deployments.

As Congress begins its consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13), it is imperative that Members and Senators take into account ‘strategy’ over budget driven decisions by the Department of Defense (DOD) in determining appropriate end strength requirements. As a country at war, now is not the time to start thinning our national security force.

Our service members are already being asked to sacrifice precious time with their families, serving multiple (in some cases four or five) tours of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The Obama Administration is cutting the military force in the FY13 Budget Request. We are not only reducing our strength, but increasing the time we ask our service members to spend away from their loved ones.

In these tough economic times, it is important we have close inspection of how our money is spent. In doing so, we will undoubtedly find areas in which we can run more efficient and effectively. Trying to cut corners to our national defense, we create more problems for both our service members and our way of life.

Information that is distributed by leaders in the United Arizona Veterans council and other citations tell us that 1 in every 5 military members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD and that overall more than 300,000 service members, or 20 percent of the military members that have deployed in the past six years have PTSD.

At the highest risk are the members of the National Guard and Reserve. All branches of the military, including the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, have deployed members to the ground wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan to make up for shortages or provide support for soldiers and Marines – it is truly an unconventional use of military forces due to a continual down-sizing of the military.

Unlike active duty members, Reserve and National Guard members are together for only 40 some days a year outside of a deployment cycle. They rely on private medical care and don’t have as many trained, watchful eyes on them when they go home. We also know that the effects of PTSD don’t immediately surface – it starts sometime after 90 days of being back home.

Not only must we provide excellent mental health and other services to both our active duty and reserve forces, we need to keep our military personnel numbers up as long as we are at war, not decrease them. The decreases are causing more back to back deployments and stresses that those who serve will carry with them for a lifetime.

As a Veteran, as someone who is running for Congress, I am standing up for these military members and their families to make sure we take the steps that keeps them from an early grave.

About Doug Wade
Doug Wade is a Republican Candidate for U.S. Representative in Arizona Congressional District 1. He has lived in the District more than 25 years. He is the father of two grown daughters. He and his wife, Grazina, operate a construction firm based in Sedona, Arizona. He has been active in the Yavapai County Republican Party. To learn more about Doug Wade, visit www.wadeforcongress2012.com.

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The Arizona Project PAC with co-sponsors Jim & Adriana Gruber and Dr. Glenna McCollum honor: Maricopa County Treasurer ‘Hos’ Hoskins …and candidates for Maricopa County Supervisor:

John McCain calls for air strikes on Syrian government forces

U.S. Senator John McCain appeared on CNN’s John King on Monday calling for air strikes on Syria’s government forces. Here is video of that appearance:

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Wendy Rogers: Arizona Needs & Supports the F-35

Wendy RogersBack in November, the East Valley Tribune and Ahwatukee Foothill News published an op-ed that I wrote in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In that op-ed, I noted the critical importance the F-35 program plays to the national security of the United States. After meeting with Arizonians who are involved in the F-35’s development, I learned of their concern over program cuts and the unforeseen consequences that may result from debate over program reductions. For the sake of our national and economic security, these conversations need to stop.

The F-35 is America’s next fifth-generation, multi-role fighter that our military leaders have designated to replace our military’s current arsenal of ageing F-16 and F-18 fighters. The F-35 is a pragmatic approach to modernizing America’s air superiority by using the same platform to serve the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The highly advanced capabilities of the F-35 will provide out troops in the air, sea and land with the technology and situational awareness to get the job done and safely return home.

A recent program update proves that 2011 was a banner year for the program. Of the 872 test flights and 6,622 test points the F-35 was to endure in 2011, the program surpassed those goals by flying 972 test flights and completing 7,823 test points. These flights and test points ensure that the plane is strong and reliable through hundreds of challenging scenarios. The results prove that the F-35 program is maturing faster than anticipated – which is a good problem to have when working with advanced military technology.

Despite these overachievements, we have seen a lot of change in America’s political landscape. Most significantly, the deficit reducing “supercommittee” failed, forcing $600 billion in mandatory cuts from Department of Defense programs. During negotiations leading up to the supercommittee, there was a groundswell of support for full program funding and members of the committee were prepared to defend the F-35 because they recognized it’s importance to America.

Unfortunately, because the committee failed, the program is once again under debate. As evidence, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta recently confirmed that he aims to cut Defense Department spending on next generation weapons programs which could include the F-35. While no one believes that the F-35 will be cancelled, small businesses right here in Arizona are watching closely to see if the Pentagon will uphold their commitment to program funding, since the small business community has capitalized their production lines in anticipation of program growth.

The bottom-line is that we cannot allow political expedience to dampen the progress of the F-35. The program is deeply connected to our economy and cuts would send ripple effects across a nation. The programs suppliers, consisting of 1,300 independent companies across the United States and supporting 127,000 jobs, have the most to lose. If those parts are no longer needed in the quantities that were originally requested, then those suppliers will be unable to meet payroll and the rising jobless claim rates in the United States will see a significant uptick.

The security of our nation and the protection of our troops are important to all of us. It is our job to ensure that the men and women in the armed services are armed with globally superior technology and protection. America’s ingenuity and industrial infrastructure can deliver that superiority, and we Americans can make sure that the program and our troops are fully supported. The F-35 is not just a budget line item. It is a line item that represents real people and business, and we need to let our elected officials in Washington know that we support the F-35.

Lt. Col. Wendy Rogers, USAF (retired) was one of the first 100 women pilots in today’s Air Force. In 2010, she ran and narrowly lost a bid for the Arizona State Senate in Democrat-leaning Legislative District 17. She owns and operates a Tempe-based office complex as well as a home inspection business with 10 fulltime employees operating in four counties. Lt Col Rogers and her retired Air Force husband have two adult ASU-grad children and live in Arizona’s brand new Congressional District 9.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like … A Change for the Worse: ESI vs. Walgreens

Submitted by US Navy Veteran

If you like the quality of pharmacy service and choices that TRICARE provides to veterans, don’t get too comfortable with it. It’s beginning to look like that will all change at the start of the year – and not for the better.

Through the end of 2011, Walgreens will provide pharmacy services as part of DOD’s TRICARE pharmacy program. But come January 1st, that will disappear because Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the company that manages the service, has a contract dispute with Walgreens and will not negotiate a settlement.

Actually, they will negotiate: my-way-or-the-highway is basically their position.

Walgreens is the largest pharmacy chain in the country. They serve 40 million consumers every week through nearly 8,000 stores nationwide. They have more stores that are open 24 – 7 than any other pharmacy network. And 70% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Walgreens.

However, after the first of the year, we won’t have access to that network or services.

Because ESI manages the Defense Department’s TRICARE pharmacy benefit, Walgreens offered a separate contract guaranteeing its prices would match or beat the average costs per prescription with all other retail pharmacies. The company has also committed to keeping the cost per Medicare prescription flat for the next four years. Such cost containment measures could be a real boon to the Federal government, as well as control the prices consumers pay.

Unfortunately, not only has ESI ignored or rejected these proposals, but it has also demanded unacceptable rates and terms from Walgreens. For example, they have demanded rates that are below the average industry cost to fill prescriptions. They also want to dictate which drugs are generic and which are not.

ESI has claimed Walgreens wants to increase prescription reimbursement costs by 20 percent. That is pure malarkey. Walgreens has offered ESI a number of cost-savings that would, in effect, hold the average prescription reimbursement cost increases to less than two percent annually over the course of the three year contract.

In an open letter to vets and active duty military, Walgreens’ CEO said, “We do not wish for military beneficiaries to be ‘in the middle’ of this issue.” Well, we are. Meanwhile, Express Scripts has rejected all efforts to reach an agreement that would keep Walgreens in the TRICARE network of pharmacies.

What can we do about this? Make noise. Register an opinion. Let DOD and Express Scripts know how you feel. Here’s a link to a page where you can sign a petition to do just that:

http://www.ichoosewalgreens.com/tricare-plans/

You can also send a letter to your Senator and Member of Congress, letting them know you value the convenience of having a Walgreens nearby. Another point to make is that Walgreens is working to keep prices as low as possible. With Walgreens gone, Express Scripts will be much freer to set prices that benefit them, not us.

Walgreens is doing all it can to keep serving us as customers. It only seems right that we return the favor.

Prayers for our Troops

By now you’ve heard that the United States military lost 31 hero warrior patriots overnight.

I am in shock and deeply saddened.

At times like these, I want to respond with tremendous anger, blame and vengeance but I realize I have to reserve those emotions for later.

Instead, I know this is a time for prayer and mourning.

As the author of Ecclesiates so beautifully wrote in the 3rd Chapter:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

Anger will surely follow but now is the time to pray for our military family and the families of our hero warrior patriots.