DENVER, Colo. (August 26, 2008) - First Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Gillespie of Chatham County is attending this week's Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver. Gillespie is participating in several events during the week, including speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. (MT) at Coors Field featuring the Democratic Party's military veteran Congressional candidates. The Press Conference is part of the Future Leaders of America Reception, an event Tuesday night honoring Gillespie and other veteran candidates. Hosts include veteran organizations and Congressman John Salazar (D-CO), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Congressman Joe Sestak (D- PA), Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL), and Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN). C-SPAN will broadcast the event.
"Our country has a duty to honor the sacrifices by our troops, their families and veterans by making sure we take care of them when they come home. Last year the Democratic-majority in Congress passed the largest ever funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans' Administration. It is still not enough. The toll of the War on Terror on our military has been large, and I will seek even more increases in funding for veterans benefits as Congressman," said the 44-year-old Gillespie, who has also proposed that all veterans get a healthcare card that allows them to seek care outside the VA system at whatever facility they prefer.
Gillespie, a retired Lt. Colonel who served with the Third Infantry Division and earned a Bronze Star in Iraq, launched his candidacy for Congress in October 2007. Since then, he has traveled throughout southeast Georgia talking with citizens and building a campaign organization. In a strong showing of base support in the primary election, Gillespie received more votes in the Democratic Primary than incumbent Jack Kingston received in the Republican Primary, each running unopposed.
"Our country has a duty to honor the sacrifices by our troops, their families and veterans by making sure we take care of them when they come home. Last year the Democratic-majority in Congress passed the largest ever funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans' Administration. It is still not enough. The toll of the War on Terror on our military has been large, and I will seek even more increases in funding for veterans benefits as Congressman," said the 44-year-old Gillespie, who has also proposed that all veterans get a healthcare card that allows them to seek care outside the VA system at whatever facility they prefer.
Gillespie, a retired Lt. Colonel who served with the Third Infantry Division and earned a Bronze Star in Iraq, launched his candidacy for Congress in October 2007. Since then, he has traveled throughout southeast Georgia talking with citizens and building a campaign organization. In a strong showing of base support in the primary election, Gillespie received more votes in the Democratic Primary than incumbent Jack Kingston received in the Republican Primary, each running unopposed.
