For Immediate Release Thursday, April 12, 2007

Contact: Danny Diaz

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced the creation of the South Carolina Veterans Advisory Committee.  This thirty-eight member committee will advise Senator McCain on veterans’ issues and assist the campaign in its continued effort to build a strong grassroots organization in the Palmetto State.

Adjutant General Stan Spears, the only elected head of a state National Guard in the nation, will lead McCain’s South Carolina Veterans Advisory Committee.

“Senator John McCain is a true American hero.  He proudly served our country in the United States Navy and United States Congress.  His record of military service is distinguished and his record of promoting common sense conservatism is unparalleled,” said Adjutant General Spears.

Senator John McCain thanked the veterans for their service to our country and commitment to his campaign.  “Our country owes a debt of gratitude to these men and women who are willing to make personal sacrifices for the sake of freedom,” said Senator McCain.  “I am thankful for their service and grateful to have their support.”
 

SOUTH CAROLINA VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Major General Stan Spears – Chair

Petty Officer Russ Belk (Ret.)

Petty Officer Frank Brown (Ret.)

Major General Tom Carter

First Sergeant William Cash

Brigadier General Jim Chow

Major Eddie Collins (Ret.)

Non Commissioned Officer Lyn Dimery (Ret.)

Colonel Nick Fletcher (Ret.)

Colonel Jackie Fogle (Ret.)

Colonel Barry Gambrell

Colonel Ed Gripkey (Ret.)

Command Sergeant Major James Gunter

Master Sergeant Charles Holliday

Major General Nelson Lacy

Captain Dale Lewey (Ret.)

Sergeant Rick McAlister (Ret.)

Command Sergeant Major Thomas Myers

Colonel Perry Neese (Ret.)

Brigadier General Laurie Newton

Command Sergeant Major Stan Norman

Chief Warrant Officer Terry O'Conner

Sergeant Major Frank Owens (Ret.)

Colonel Ron Pipkin (Ret.)

Lieutenant Colonel John Powers (Ret.)

Colonel Arnold Price (Ret.)

Colonel Ed Rumsey (Ret.)

Sergeant Johnny Sanders (Ret.)

Brigadier General Tommy Sinclair

Colonel Joe Smoak

Staff Sergeant Frank Sossamon

Command Sergeant Major Joseph Timmerman, Jr.

Brigadier General Jim Tuten (Ret.)

Colonel Steve Vinson (Ret.)

Command Sergeant Major Franklin Ward (Ret.)

Major Elizabeth West (Ret.)

Brigadier General Mitch Willoughby (Ret.)

Major General Eli Wisher