RELEASE: Veterans Coalition Supports Schuring

Release:

CANTON - A broad coalition representing 50 area veterans and their families has given its support to Kirk Schuring.

Gold Star Families member Scott Warner, part of the coalition, called Schuring, "an established leader in Ohio. He's going to represent us well in Washington, D.C. He is strong on defense and immigration."

Warner's son, Heath, served in the Marines and was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom on Nov. 22, 2006.

The coalition is comprised of veterans from several conflicts. Gold Star families are those who have lost loved ones in Iraq or Afghanistan.

"It's extremely gratifying to receive the support of so many veterans and their families within the district," said Schuring, a candidate for the 16th Congressional District seat. "I believe the families of our military personnel also serve and play a huge role in our success."

Major General Robert Haas, who served with the 45th Infantry Division in Korea in 1952-53, also supports Schuring's candidacy.



"Kirk is a very patriotic person who loves this country. He has fought for veterans' rights as a state Senator. And as our Congressman, he will continue to fight for veterans - with even more determination.

"He has never lost his ability to listen - to listen to you and your individual needs and problems. I support Kirk one hundred percent for Congress," Haas said.

Donna Checca is a member of the Blue Star Moms whose son, Capt. Rocky Checca, is serving his third tour in Iraq. She says the surge is working and also thinks that Schuring is the best choice for Congress.

"Even though he didn't serve, I totally believe that Kirk supports the military more than his opponent does."

Steve Fetterman, who served his country during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, knows the value of having a strong military.

"I know Kirk is strong on defense and that's what we need. We must keep our national security at a high level," he said.

Schuring supports completing the job in Iraq.

"Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our armed forces, progress is being made in Iraq, and we'll continue to see success there as long as we continue to follow a military strategy and not a political strategy. By following a military strategy to stabilize and secure Iraq, we will allow our troops to come home soon," he said.

Previously, the Stark County Veterans & Fraternal Organizations Committee endorsed the Republican from Jackson Township.

In 2005, Schuring introduced a bill to authorize the display of combat battle stars on certain special combat or military plates. He did so after a group of local veterans lead by Canton resident Dwight Lewis approached him about it at a Veterans Day event.

To read more about the bill click here.

He also has sponsored several pieces of legislation to assist veterans, including:

- Co-sponsored bill to exempt soldiers who died in combat zones from numerous estate taxes

- Co-sponsored bill for "Gold Star Family" license plates

- Co-sponsored a bill allowing any active-duty armed forces member to obtain a free duplicate drivers license following a service related injury

- Co-sponsored bill to create state level cabinet position for Vets Affairs

- Co-sponsored bill to allow taxpayers to contribute part of income tax to ohio vets home agency

To see a video clip of veterans supporting Schuring, go to www.schuringforcongress.com.