Veterans Endorse Schauer for Congress

VETERANS ENDORSE SCHAUER FOR CONGRESS
Schauer will be a strong champion for veteran's issues in Congress

BATTLE CREEK—Today a group of former service members from south central Michigan came together to officially launch "Veterans for Schauer," a constituency group committed to electing Mark Schauer in the 7th Congressional district. The group, co-chaired by Brigadier General Bob Secrist and U.S. Navy Submarine Service veteran Fred Strack, will reach out to current and former members of the armed forces and mobilize support for Schauer's campaign.

"When the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base was facing closure, Mark Schauer helped rally the community and worked with people like Carl Levin and Joe Schwarz to keep the base open," said Brigadier General Bob Secrist. "Mark has a strong record of standing up for our men and women in uniform, and will be a powerful voice for veterans as a member of Congress."

Last fall, Schauer co-sponsored a comprehensive veterans package that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law this May. The package included bills to prohibit the lapse of life insurance policies for active duty service members, and protect the property of military personnel from sale or foreclosure during their service and for six months after they return home. [SB 731-756]

"Mark understands the serious challenges facing Michigan veterans, and has a strong track record of fighting for military families," said Strack, a U.S. Navy Submarine Service Veteran. "When it comes to jobs, affordable healthcare and keeping people in their homes, veterans can count on Mark Schauer to stand up for our values."

Mark's family has a long history of service in the armed forces. His father, Robert Schauer, served as an active member of the U.S. Army, and was a member of the Army Reserves for more than seven years. Mark's Uncle, Alfred Trafton, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942-1945. Another Uncle, Richard Schauer, also served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1952 during the Korean Conflict.

"It is truly an honor to have the support of so many brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces," said Schauer. "We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service, and as a member of Congress, I will fight to make sure they have access to good jobs, quality healthcare, and adequate safeguards to keep their homes and avoid foreclosure."

Background:

• In 2005, Schauer worked with Sen. Carl Levin and former Republican Congressman Joe Schwarz to save 320 full-time base jobs at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base. [Battle Creek Enquirer, August 27, 2005]

• Last November, Schauer co-sponsored SB 919, a bipartisan bill to eliminate property taxes for disabled veterans. [legislature.mi.gov, SB 919]

• In February 2007, Schauer co-sponsored SB 192, a bipartisan bill that offers stronger employment protections for veterans returning to work after completing their military service. The legislation passed both chambers with unanimous support, and was signed into law this April. [legislature.mi.gov, SB 192]

• In April 2007, Schauer co-sponsored SR 38, a bipartisan resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide assured funding for veteran health care. [legislature.mi.gov, SR 38]

# # #

Editor's Note: Below is a list of the "Veterans for Schauer" steering committee members.

Bob Secrist, Co-Chair
Retired Army General

Fred Strack, Co-Chair
U.S. Navy Submarine Service Veteran

John Ward, Delta Township
U.S. Army Veteran

Daniel Kujawa, Jackson
U.S. Navy Veteran

Derek A. Crawley, Jackson
U.S. Army Veteran

Frank T. Shepherd, Jr., Battle Creek
U.S. Army Veteran