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Democratic Party Honors Veterans for Their Service; Call for Fair Benefits for Our Fighting Forces

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Democratic Party joins all Americans in thanking our armed forces for their tireless efforts abroad and at home to protect our freedoms. The party is providing active and retired military men and women a voice in the selection of Ohio and national elected officials.

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Dennis L. White announced recently the formation of a new Ohio Democratic Veterans Caucus and said it will play a role in the endorsement of Democratic candidates.

“We are looking forward to getting the word out that Democrats have always been patriotic, and our group will bring forward the collective voice of Democratic vets, active duty, guardsmen and reserves,” said Tim Steineman, the caucus co-chairman and an Air Force Veteran.

Steineman, who is the Logan County Democratic Party chairman, will co-chair the caucus with Margaret Delillo Storey until caucus members elect their own permanent slate of officers. Other interim officers include: Corresponding Secretary Kathleen Kelly, Recording Secretary John Myers, and Treasurer Ruby Gilliam. Herman Zerger, Monroe County Democratic Party Chairman, was named lifetime honorary chairman for his extensive military service.

White also named Marco Miller, finance officer for the American Legion Post 283 in Pickerington, as the caucus coordinator.

“Ohio Veterans are not getting the full story about what their elected government leaders are doing for them and what they are not doing for them,” Miller said. “This caucus will allow us to raise our issues with elected officials and inform Ohio veterans of the positions and attitudes of those who want to represent us.”

White said the need to address veterans’ issue is particularly important in 2004 because President Bush has cut benefits to middle-class veterans and axed millions of dollars in funding important to military improvements.

“It’s disgraceful that those risking their lives overseas to protect us are finding it tougher to make ends meet when they come home because of the failed policies of George W. Bush,” White said.

Steineman, an Ohio National Air Guardsman, said he and other Ohio guard members are upset that Senators Voinovich and DeWine did not support recent legislation that would have extended benefits to part-time reservists to ensure adequate health care coverage as part-time military members shift between active duty and their civilian lives.

“While reservists and guardsmen are expected to take on a much larger role than anytime in history, Republican senators Voinovich and DeWine have voted down a bill to extend health care benefits to these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who frequently have no other health care,” he said.

Steineman thanked White for getting the efforts of the veterans caucus underway. The role of the caucus it to reach out to veterans, active duty, reserve and guard forces and provide them a role in forming the Democratic ticket. The caucus will identify the key issues impacting veterans and inform its members about the specific actions Ohio elected officials are taking to address those matters.

The caucus will be screening candidates and making endorsements. It will also have a website featuring the latest veterans issues being debated in Columbus and Washington, and will send e-mail fact sheets to its members on key issues.

The caucus will elect its own leaders when it meets early next year.

Membership is open to all veterans of the United States military with an honorable discharge, active military with valid identification of their service and Reserve and National Guard members with valid service ID. Members should be registered Democrats or non-declared independents.

To join the caucus or for more information, contact Marco Miller at marco@ohiodems.org

-30- Media Contact: Tim Steineman at (937) 842-3882 or Dan Trevas at (614) 221-6563 or dan@ohiodems.org