Why I Support Barack

Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration, USAF (Ret)

"Simply put, Barack Obama has the judgment, wisdom, courage, experience, and leadership capability that we desperately need in the next commander of our nation's precious resources – our men and women in uniform.

I met Barack Obama last August, when I accompanied him on a 5-nation, 15-day tour of Africa.

On that trip I gained a deep understanding of the leadership qualities that Senator Obama would bring to the presidency.

One story from that trip in particular sticks out. It happened during our stop in Kenya. It was Senator Obama’s third trip back to his father’s homeland and it was an incredibly moving experience.

In Kenya we met with President Mwai Kibaki. Kenya has a history of difficulties with government corruption. It would have been easy for Senator Obama to stay on the edges of the conversation and not push any controversial issues. After all, he was a relatively new U.S. Senator.

But Senator Obama didn’t do that. His broad life experience has given him courage and judgment beyond what we might expect.

Senator Obama looked President Kibaki in the eye, and with a respectful but forceful tone, urged him to work on the issues that are keeping Kenya from progressing as a nation.

It was an incredible thing to watch. It was also very instructive and told me a lot about his character and courage.

That was just one moment on that trip that gave me so much insight into who Senator Obama is as a leader.

The other big factor for me is Senator Obama's longtime opposition to the war in Iraq. Senator Obama had the courage in 2002 to oppose the war. It was not politically expedient at the time, and it was not easy. But Senator Obama had the courage to oppose the war, and the judgment and wisdom to understand the consequences of a protracted occupation of Iraq.

And while Senator Obama opposed the strategy of this war from the beginning, he understands the value of our service men and women. He understands that they are a precious resource and that we make a sacred promise to them when they sign up - if you serve your country, your country will take care of you and your family when your service is up.

But Senator Obama also knows that sometimes it is necessary to use our military to protect us. He knows that’s the most important decision a president makes and he takes it seriously. And I have full faith in his ability to make the right decision when that time comes.

It is for these reasons that I am absolutely confident that Senator Obama's judgment will make him a great Commander in Chief.

As a longtime military officer, I don't take this decision lightly. Who we have commanding our military is of utmost importance.

And my assessment is that Barack Obama is the best person to take on that responsibility. "

Gen. Merrill "Tony" McPeak, USAF (Ret)

"My interest is in a stronger America. We're at a low point in our standing with the rest of the world, and that simply has to be fixed. Senator Obama believes it can be fixed -- by creating a stronger military, insisting on smarter diplomacy, and adhering to high ethical standards in the conduct of our affairs. I think he's unique in being the only candidate of either party with a vision for genuine change -- to "turn the page," as he says. Lots of people have remarked that he has the judgment and experience to pull it off, but in my view he also has special gifts as a leader. Here again, he's probably unique -- the only candidate with the leadership qualities to reach across the partisan divide and craft workable solutions to the many problems facing the country. He'll be a great commander-in-chief. He'll give us a stronger America."

Capt. W. Scott Gould, USNR (Ret.)

"Honor, commitment and courage are the core values of the United States Navy. During my 26 year career on active duty and reserves, including mobilization for the war in Afghanistan, I have seen men and women from all walks of life make these values their own through dedication, hard work and sacrifice. Barack Obama shares these core values. Combined with intelligence, judgment and a desire to serve, Senator Obama has the qualities of a Commander in Chief we can trust. "

Colonel Richard L. Klass, USAF (Ret)

"I support Barack Obama for president because I believe that he is the only candidate who can restore America’s world leadership, lessen the partisan bickering in Washington and intelligently address the grave problems facing this nation. He has shown the vision, courage and integrity needed to excel as commander-in-chief and understands the sacred bond between this country and its veterans. Senator Obama is the only candidate to both oppose the Iraq war and oppose giving the president any cover for attacking Iran. His recognition that the real threat to America comes from terrorist networks and his willingness to aggressively pursue these networks demonstrates his perception and toughness. He is the right man for the times and the challenges America faces."

Commander Don Stanton, USN (Ret)

"Barack Obama stands out to me as a progressive and thoughtful candidate who is able to think outside the box and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. I appreciated his early opposition to the invasion of Iraq when most politicians were following the crowd. Throughout his career, he has vigorously stood up for veterans’ rights including education, remote rural access to the VA, and more mental health and PTSD resources.

Obama spent several years overseas and this international experience, combined with his intelligence and tolerance, will make him a strong President and an outstanding Commander in Chief. His pragmatic foreign policy and national security vision will enable him to provide the leadership needed to transition our forces to more realistic and cooperative force projection."