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Veterans group endorses Kelly in CD8 Special

April 19, 2012 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2012

Veterans group endorses Jesse Kelly for Congress

TUCSON, AZ Combat Veterans for Congress has endorsed Jesse Kelly in his bid to represent the Eighth Congressional District in Southern Arizona.

Jesse Kelly in uniform Kelly is honored to have the support of such a distinguished group of veterans and responded with this comment, “As a combat veteran myself, I understand the risks they have taken and the sacrifices that our service members have made while wearing the uniform. I will work hard to protect veterans and make sure they receive the full benefits they earned while serving our great nation.”

Jesse Kelly works in the private sector as a project manager for a construction firm. He and his wife live in Pima County, where they are raising their two sons. Please visit www.VoteJesseKelly.com for more information or send an e-mail to info@votejessekelly.com.

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Paid for by Kelly for Congress

Use of his military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense or the Marines.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Press Release, Veterans

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

December 21, 2011 By

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.

Filed Under: Federal Government, Guest Opinion, Health Care, Military, Veterans

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer: Veterans Day

November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“I urge all Arizonans to join me in paying respect to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

“Let us say a prayer for the fallen heroes who have given their lives to protect our nation and preserve the freedoms we too often take for granted. Let us take this opportunity to acknowledge those who continue to fight –who continue to risk their lives daily to save ours.

“To all of Arizona’s veterans, I say: thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for your willingness of the heart. Thank you for your sense of duty.

“May God bless our veterans and their families, as well as our Great State of Arizona. Most of all, may God bless those who have paid the ultimate price in preserving and protecting the United States of America.”

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Filed Under: Elected Officials, Press Release, State Government, Veterans Tagged With: ,

Great Support our Troops video

April 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A U.S. Marine serving in Afghanistan thanked her mom, Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, for sending lots of great care packages and mentioned that some Marines were not receiving any packages from home. A bunch of patriots from the Tucson area stepped forward and adopted her unit serving in Afghanistan and sent lots of packages to the troops fighting overseas. Here is video of the Tucson homecoming for Gabriela’s daughter and another fellow Marine as they arrive in the Tucson Airport.

Thank you to all of our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines for your service to this nation and to the cause of freedom.

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Video about the Christmas Packages for the Troops.
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Filed Under: Military, Veterans

Please Join Vietnam POW Larry “Lucky” Chesley at a town hall with JD Hayworth

July 20, 2010 By 9 Comments

A m e r i c a n  P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N  S E N S E , in Arizona

Tuesday, July 20, 2010


Come hear this POW veteran explain why he is supporting JD Hayworth over John McCain.

Mesa Town Hall with JD Hayworth
Thursday, July 22
6:00pm – 7:30pm
12 W. Main Street
Mesa, AZ
**Special introduction by POW Veteran Larry “Lucky” Chesley

Click here to read Larry’s bio

Listen to the message from Larry “Lucky” Chesley about the town hall
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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Town Hall, Veterans

Why this Vietnam POW is supporting JD Hayworth over McCain

July 12, 2010 By 27 Comments

A m e r i c a n  P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N  S E N S E , in Arizona

Monday, July 12, 2010

 

Vietnam POW 1966-1973
Arizona State Senator 1993-1997
Legislative Research Analyst
Director of Legislative Services
Arizona State Treasurer’s Office
Arizona State University Asst. Professor 1975-1977
Professional Public Speaker
Full Time Missionary-Historic Kirtland 2004-2005
Full Time Missionary-Texas Lubbock Mission 2006-2007    
Service Missionary ASU Institute of Religion 2007-2009
Religious Advisory Committee Arizona Dept of Corrections

FRIENDS

I want everyone to know that John McCain served honorably as a POW.  However, to my knowledge he never held any position of leadership while a prisoner.  I was there 2,494 days; he was there 1,966 days.  This message has nothing to do with our POW experiences but is my desire to emphasize that our political philosophies are diametrically opposed, I am a Republican.

I am tired of John McCain’s personal and exaggerated attacks on JD Hayworth.

I am going to start campaigning for JD Hayworth in a big way, and if you would be willing to help me I would appreciate it.

1.   McCain thinks he can buy this election with negative campaign ads.  Let’s show him what Grass Root politics is all about.

2.   JD needs some funding.  Go to his web site if you feel you can help. Even a little really helps. (www.jdforsenate.com)

3.   Tell your friends Larry “Lucky” Chesley, supports JD Hayworth.

4.    Forward this e-mail to your friends.

5.   Help me put on an event in the East Valley that will blow McCain out of the water.

Thank you for your help and your friendship.

GBU

 

Lucky Chesley

For more information about Larry, including his experience as a POW, click here
Join Our Mailing List
Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Ethics, Uncategorized, Veterans

McCain and the POW Coverup

May 28, 2010 By 22 Comments
YouTube Preview Image

clip about John McCain opposing efforts to bring home POWs taken from the film Missing, Presumed Dead: The  Search for America’s POWs

There is a longstanding story of POWs in Viet Nam, even ones who have returned home and are living today in the US, who were betrayed and forgotten.  

In a recent article written by Ron Unz, former publisher and owner of American Conservative monthly magazine:

Vietnamese refused to return their American POWs unless the U.S. government agreed to pay reparations. Nixon signed a document promising to do exactly that, but the Vietnamese, being cautious, kept many of the POWs back until the money was delivered. Then Congress refused to authorize the funds because “America doesn’t lose wars.” Nixon and later U.S. leaders never acknowledged the fate of these captives lest the American people become outraged. And as the years and decades went by, and various schemes to ransom or rescue the POWs were considered and rejected, their continued existence became a major liability to numerous powerful political figures, whose reputations would have been destroyed if any of the prisoners ever returned and told his story to the American people. So none of them ever came home.

John McCain is one of those politicians whose reputations would have been destroyed by the late return of POWs from Viet Nam after, as Congressman and Senator from Arizona, he opposed efforts to work with veterans groups and the Vietnamese to bring home US vets.

Additional testimony regarding John McCain’s actions detrimental to the POW/MIA movement and efforts to bring vets home, along with testimony of witnesses that John McCain produced 22 (some say 32) propaganda films on behalf of the North Vietnamese and against US interests (since sealed and classified by the federal government), can be found in a documentary entitled:

Missing, Presumed Dead: The Search for America’s POWs

If you have some time, read “Was Rambo Right?”, by Ron Unz and get a hold of a copy of Missing, Presumed Dead: The Search for America’s POWs.

 

Filed Under: Government, History, Veterans

Remembering Jimmy

November 11, 2008 By 3 Comments

I was lucky enough to grow up in Phoenix when everyone had carports and very few fenced in their backyards. Without these barriers we became a neighborhood of neighbors.  What I mean by that is we actually knew eachother. The kids played together and the adults borrowed a cup of sugar or two eggs or vanilla as part of their open relationships.  We also got together for barbeques around holidays, particularly the Fourth of July. One house would be the host and fire up the grill.  The rest of the families would bring a “dish” and some beverages to share.  We were an intergenerational stew at these gatherings. The adults would gather at one end of the yard while the kids drifted between the food and a place in the yard to continue their games. 

During the summer that I was in between the seventh and eighth grades and overly self conscious, I wasn’t sure if I should join the kids or find a place with the adults.  So I decided to play the role of observer. From my silent observation post I drank in the expressions, sounds and stories.  So it is from this vantage point that I can describe Jimmy. 

He was a senior in high school.  So for a junior high kid he was an adult.  Jimmy was one of those guys who very presence commanded attention.  It wasn’t because he was a clown or boisterous.  It was because of the ease he had with himself.  He felt comfortable with adults and easily entered into conversations.  While respectful, it was obvious that he was self-assured and felt free to express his opinions.  When he spoke to you, he looked directly into your eyes.  He had a gentle laugh, but what really stood out was the way he carried himself.  I knew that I was looking at someone who was a natural leader.  You also knew that he was motivated by goals he set for himself.  There was no indecisiveness in any of his mannerisms.  His parents couldn’t conceal the pride and love they had for him.  The other adults gave him the ultimate compliment by including him in their conversations and asking his opinion. 

After he graduated, Jimmy joined the U.S. Army.  The army also noticed his natural leadership abilities.  He became a helicopter pilot and a leader of his unit.  Having glimpsed the character of this young man, it was no surprise to me to learn that he lost his life in a rescue attempt in the jungles of Viet Nam.  I couldn’t imagine that he would ever think of leaving anyone behind.

Whenever I get a chance to travel to Washington, D.C. I visit the Viet Nam Memorial.  I find Jimmy’s name and I offer a prayer of thanks for his sacrifice.  As I walk away from the memorial, I thank those who fought and died for freedom.  Thank you veterans.  None of you have died in vain. 

Filed Under: Veterans

Harry, You’ve Got to Stop Using Veterans

October 30, 2008 By 13 Comments

With less than a week to go, Harry Mitchell continues to pretend he is a conservative. He parades examples of “sample populations” in his ads in order to trick voters into returning him as a Pelosi drone to the U.S. House of Representatives. All politicians lie to some extent, but to misuse and misstate facts is beyond belief. First, Harry let’s be clear, you cannot support the military men and women serving on the frontlines without supporting their mission. You don’t support the mission. You never have. Even when you were a member of the Arizona legislature, you voted against the military mission: i.e. the war on Islamic terrorism whose central theater is Iraq. Saul Alinsky taught you well; speak like the middle class so you can win them over and destroy them. And now, you are attempting to use the same tactics to win over the military so you can lead them to a shameful defeat by surrendering. But the worst part is to pick up the factual misstatements about the number of suicides of returning military. How shameful! Here is a quote from one of the articles published by Nancy Reyes on Blogger News Networks which throws cold water on your lies. “Despite the headlines, the Army must be doing something right, because the rate of suicide is actually lower–yes, I said lower–than that of a comparable civilian population. Yes, you heard me right, I said the suicide rate is lower in the Army than in a similar civilian population.” (www.bloggernews.net/19471) Without any real legislative accomplishments to distinguish his brief time in Congress, Mitchell has to make stuff up. Harry, how dare you claim to be responsible for reducing suicide rates through your mere signature on a bill! You have not supported the military where it counts. I trust that they will return the favor and vote you out of office on November 4th.

Filed Under: Military, Veterans Tagged With:

Veterans Endorse Schweikert

October 10, 2008 By 2 Comments

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2008                   
 
Veterans group offers enthusiastic endorsement of Schweikert
 
Scottsdale, AZ – The National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition has announced its endorsement to Fifth District Congressional candidate David Schweikert.  The Coalition cites Schweikert’s strong positions on the treatment and care of veterans, national security issues such as the War on Terror and U.S. border security as well as Schweikert’s support for increased domestic energy production.
 
“I’m proud to accept this endorsement. This organization represents hundreds of thousands of veterans and I’m honored that they would support my bid to serve in the U.S. Congress,” Schweikert said. 
 
“This demonstrates that veterans’ issues transcend partisan politics.  I’m very disappointed that the current holder of this seat has adopted the attitude that he and he alone speaks for veterans.  That is clearly not the case.  Congress has a long tradition of setting aside partisan squabbles when it comes to veterans’ issues, and I urge Harry Mitchell to follow that tradition.” continued Schweikert.
 
The Coalition is comprised of more than 80 veterans’ organizations and advocacy groups representing more than 250,000 veterans and their families totaling more than two million voters across the country.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Endorsements, Press Release, Veterans

Army Specialist, Joe Cook

September 13, 2008 By 27 Comments

OK, everyone has been asking about the Joe Cook video. We’ve located it on You Tube and made it available here.

Thank you Joe Cook for your service.

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Filed Under: Freedom of Speech, Military, National Security, Veterans

Montini Surprises

June 29, 2008 By 1 Comment

Reading EJ Montini’s column today was a rare pleasant surprise. In today’s Republic, he wrote about a class of individuals who have almost all left us. Frank Vegh won a Silver Star in WWII but kept quiet about – even to his wife. Three years ago he passed away. It wasn’t until someone from the VA informed his wife, Elaine about Frank’s heroism and decoration.

Today, we simply cannot forget men like Frank Vegh, our WWII veterans and heroes who sacrificed more than we can imagine in the name of courage, freedom, liberty, humility and bringing peace.  Thanks EJ for writing and reminding us about heroes like Frank Vegh who gave so much and asked for nothing in return.

 

Filed Under: Human Condition, Military, National Security, Veterans

Press Release: Special Upcoming Republican Professionals Event

February 26, 2008 By 1 Comment

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Contact: Ryan Ducharme, (480) 643-0910

9/11 WTC SURVIVOR TO HEADLINE REPUBLICAN PROFESSIONALS EVENT
9/11 WTC Survivor Mark Finelli and AZ State Rep. Jonathan Paton to Speak About Their Iraq War Experiences

SCOTTSDALE, AZ –Republican Professionals (RP) announced today that they will be hosting Mark Finelli, a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor who gave up a 6-figure job with Morgan Stanley to enlist in the Marines and fight in Iraq and AZ State Representative Jonathan Paton, a ”rising star” in the Republican Party and Iraq war veteran. Both speakers will appear at the organization’s upcoming March 6, 2008 free networking event at 6 Lounge in Scottsdale.

“We are pleased to have Mark Finelli speak at our event. He is a true American hero and the only 9/11 World Trade Center survivor to enlist in the marines and fight in Iraq. His story is an inspiring tale of honor, courage and steely leadership. It will be insightful to learn about his ‘in the trenches’ account of his experiences in Iraq and his assessment of the current situation,” said RP President Charles A. Jensen.  

Mark Finelli has been a featured guest on Fox, CNN and “Hardball with Chris Mathews” on MSNBC. He’s also appeared on popular radio programs, such as “The Sean Hannity Show” and been written about in major publications like Newsweek and National Review. Finelli will also be appearing in a documentary by two-time Oscar winner and trooper supporter John Voight.

Jensen also expressed his enthusiasm for hosting Jonathan Paton, a popular member of the Arizona House of Representatives and Iraq war veteran: “Representative Paton is a gifted public speaker and admired public servant. We look forward to hearing about his background and recent experience in Iraq.” (Paton volunteered for active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September of ‘06 until February ‘07.)

Doors open at 6:00 P.M. at 6 Lounge, a chic and atmospheric Scottsdale nightclub. Given the popularity of past events and limited space available, Republican Professionals highly encourages all interested in attending the March 6th event to RSVP at www.republicanprofessionals.org 

Republican Professionals hosts its free networking events the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M. at the Six Lounge in Scottsdale. Between 150 and 270 professionals consistently attend RP events. For more information about Republican Professionals, please contact Charles Jensen at 602-403-5535 or charles@republicanprofessionals.org  

The purpose of Republican Professionals is to link like-minded professionals together in a monthly happy hour where they can network, socialize, and hear directly from prominent politicians and successful business leaders. Founded in the fall of 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona, Republican Professionals has already branched off to other cities across the nation.

Filed Under: National Security, Press Release, Special Event, Veterans

Reminder – AZ Right to Life Gala is this Saturday night

February 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The Arizona Right to Life “Building a Legacy of Life and Liberty” gala is this Saturday. The featured speaker is former Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs James Nicholson.

Nicholson is considered to have been the last real conservative RNC chairman, appointed in 1997. Under his leadership, the pro-life plank of the party was strengthened.
This is AZRTL’s biggest gala of the year, we hope to see you there.

Filed Under: Sanctity of Life, Special Event, Uncategorized, Veterans

Veterans’ Day

November 12, 2007 By Leave a Comment
YouTube Preview Image

Thank you to all who have served and are serving and to their families.

Filed Under: Veterans

Arpaio, Thomas speak out on Romley

July 27, 2007 By 2 Comments

RINO Romley
Now that former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley has publicly offered himself up to be the next U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (President Bush hasn’t yet made a selection), Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Romley’s successor, Andrew Thomas, have made it known they will oppose his candidacy.  Thomas spoke to the Arizona Republic, saying that since Thomas took office, he has learned of mismanagement in the office and mistreatment of subordinates that he thinks disqualifies Romley.  Included in the list:  a jury verdict against Romley in a retaliation lawsuit brought in federal court by a former County Attorney employee, the lack of modern basic technology in the office such as voice mail, Romley’s lavish spending on himself, etc.  In the past, blogs have pointed out that, like Jimmy Carter toward his successors, Romley has been undermining Thomas both in the media and behind the scenes since the first week Thomas took office, on things such as Thomas’ tough policies on the death penalty and sex offenders, which Romley opposes.

Arpaio hasn’t forgotten when Romley used to constantly take potshots at him in the media over his policies.  Romley once went on the radio and criticized Arpaio’s jail policies while a riot was occurring in Tent City.  With Romley gone, Arpaio and Thomas now work closely together in the fight against illegal immigration and public corruption.  Romley, meanwhile, just finished a stint as a contract lobbyist for Terry Goddard in the Attorney General’s Office.

The good news for Romley is that he has support from Democrats…such as Congressman Harry Mitchell, who has endorsed him.  A shrewd move for Mitchell:  It allows him to show bipartisanship in his largely Republican district while helping him get rid of a potential challenger for reelection next year in Romley.  Not that Romley would have much of a chance in the Republican primary in 2008 against David Schweikert or Jeff Hatch-Miller anyhow.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Crime and Punishment, Government, Political Parties, Uncategorized, Veterans

A Dad’s Wish for Father’s Day

June 16, 2007 By 4 Comments

A few years ago, I was asked to give a talk at a Veterans Day Ceremony.  I spoke on “The Greatest Generation” as a take-off on the Tom Brokaw book – with a twist.

I spoke about the Founding Fathers, the Constitutional Convention, Lexington, Concord, and Valley Forge - perhaps the greatest generation.  The War of 1812 (sometimes called the second Revolutionary War), the burning of Washington and the Battle of New Orleans – perhaps the greatest generation.  The Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln – perhaps the greatest generation.  World War I, trench warfare and mustard gas – perhaps the greatest generation.  World War II, Pearl Harbor, Normandy, Hedgerows, Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal – perhaps the greatest generation.  The Korean War (sometimes called the forgotten war), Pusan, Inchon, Chosin Reservoir – perhaps the greatest generation.  The Vietnam War, guerrilla warfare, jungle combat – perhaps the greatest generation.  The Iraq War, an all-volunteer army, IED’s, radical Islamists – perhaps the greatest generation.

I said that to say that there is no one greatest generation.  For over two hundred years, generation after generation of Americans have sacrificed their health, their wealth, their very lives to preserve this wonderful land.  You see, generations do not become great except through the great sacrifices of individuals, and individual greatness is accomplished when ordinary men do extraordinary deeds.  There is another famous quote – Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. 

My son, a Marine veteran, made a decision after 9-11 to re-enlist as an EOD (Bomb Disposal) Tech at great personal and family sacrifice and is scheduled to go to a forward combat zone later this year.  He is one of tens of thousands of young men and women like himself who are giving everything, including their very life, if necessary, so their children can live in a land of freedom and liberty.

My son, the men in his unit, the men and women currently risking – and all too often giving - their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and around the world in the defense of freedom are doing all they can.  It is up to us here at home to do everything possible to make sure their placing of service over self is not wasted. 

As a dad, I have one wish on this Father’s Day.  I wish that Senator Kyl and the other politicians who have been elected to preserve and defend the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of Arizona would decide that it is time for them to protect the sovereignty of these United States and to enforce the rule of law. 

For, you see, that is what my son has risked everything for and his sacrifice deserves nothing less.  Failure  to do so could mean that his children and his grand-children may never have an opportunity to be the greatest generation. 

We dare not fail.

Filed Under: Constitutional Law, Family, Veterans
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