June 18, 2008

Alaska veterans endorse Ethan Berkowitz

From a Berkowitz press release:

Today, a group of Veterans from across Alaska declared their support for Ethan Berkowitz. Among the many Veterans endorsing Ethan's campaign for Congress are: Barbara Bachmeier, Bill Bartee, Dave Carlson, Bruce Gazaway, Roger Marcil and Tim Wheeler of Anchorage , Michael Cull of Palmer, Bill Gossweiler of Eagle River , Kim Elton of Juneau , Joelle Hall of Chugiak, and Charlie Hubbard of Sterling.

"Over the course of this campaign, and during my life, I have had many occasions to thank Veterans for their service and sacrifices. Since they have given us so much, we have to do right by them," Berkowitz said. "From fighting for life insurance coverage for deployed members of the Alaska National Guard to consistently supporting increased funding for Veterans' services, I have a record of standing up for those who defend our freedom."

Berkowitz is honored to have the support of Veterans, many of whom have transitioned from military service into community, business and political leadership. Berkowitz additionally stated that he "stands with all the advocates for better Veteran health care and treatment, especially for Veterans and active duty service members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan."

"We've made commitments to our troops and their families, and it's past time to keep them. They've earned the education, job training and excellent medical care promised them when their military service ends," Berkowitz said.

"As the wife of a recently deployed soldier and a former soldier myself, I know what service means," said Joelle Hall. "Ethan will fight for our Veterans and will make sure the government lives up to its end of the bargain. Our Veterans have earned that support and I trust Ethan to deliver."

"I've known Ethan since before his election to state office and he's always acted with the type of honesty and respect I grew up with in my culture. I know he'll support Native Veterans present and future by showing persistence in securing their benefits," noted Charlie Hubbard.

"As a retired Army officer, I believe Ethan Berkowitz, among our many candidates running for Congress, is best suited to support our military men and women. He understands and possesses the moral and intellectual fiber to obtain the resources needed by our military services at the state and national level. Come November, I will be voting for, and supporting, Ethan Berkowitz as Alaska 's Representative to the United States Congress," said Roger Marcil.

"Throughout his career in the Alaska Legislature Ethan Berkowitz advocated for better health care for Alaskan Veterans and their families. I know he is committed to seeking peace in the Middle East and rebuilding our National Guard so badly damaged by over-deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan ," said Michael Cull.

"He will defend our Veterans. He has a record of standing up for Veterans and issues that are critical to our fighting men and women," said Bill Bartee.

"Ethan has shown me repeatedly that he recognizes the great contributions Veterans have provided our country. Further, he cares about those who leave active duty with service-connected disabilities. Ethan is ready, willing, and able to fight the bureaucracy to ensure Veterans get their rightful benefits and entitlements," said Barbara Bachmeier.

Ethan Berkowitz served in the Alaska State House from 1996-2006, and was the Democratic Leader from 1998-2006.