Veterans' Organization to Governor Perry: "We need you as our Commander-in-Chief!"

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans for Rick Perry, a candidate committee under Federal Election Commission rules, today called upon Texas Governor Rick Perry to enter the race for President of the United States.

"As a veteran with a solid record of supporting veterans and military issues in the State of Texas, we believe Governor Perry is the best person for the job of President," said Dan Shelley, Air Force veteran and founder of Veterans for Rick Perry.  "We believe Governor Perry is uniquely qualified to lead our nation through the trials that lie ahead. He has demonstrated an ability to reduce government and keep taxes low while supporting veterans' issues and creating economic and educational opportunities for veterans. Governor Perry, we need you as our Commander-in-Chief!"

Perry, a captain in the Air Force from 1972 to 1977, has a long history of supporting veterans and active-duty military members from Texas. As Governor, he has supported the "College Credit for Heroes" program, which allows universities to extend college credit for military experience, education and service; signed legislation making it easier for active-duty military personnel to vote while overseas; extended the property tax exemption for fully disabled veterans to a surviving spouse; and ensured the property tax exemption will follow disabled veterans to a new property.

Shelley said he created Veterans for Rick Perry because our nation needs the strong leadership of someone who has balanced a budget, created jobs for men and women returning from military service overseas and actively supported veterans' programs.  "Rick Perry is that man. He has demonstrated his leadership on the important issues that will return our country to greatness."

Thomas Graham, spokesperson for the organization, said Veterans for Rick Perry will have a significant presence in Iowa and South Carolina before moving to organize throughout the country. By organizing veterans in those states and encouraging their participation in the process, the group can demonstrate that veterans will support the candidacy of Rick Perry for President.

"The men and women who've worn the uniform are actively seeking a candidate they can support during this important election," said Graham. "Veterans for Rick Perry believes Rick Perry is the best candidate—whether he's in the race or not."

Veterans for Rick Perry is a non-connected candidate committee representing veterans and retired military of all U.S. Armed Forces for the purpose of encouraging and promoting the candidacy of Rick Perry for President.  

Paid for by Veterans for Rick Perry. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

SOURCE Veterans for Rick Perry