Issue Position: Strengthening Our National Defense

Issue Position

Issue Position: Strengthening Our National Defense

Nothing concerns me more then watching liberal members of Congress play politics with our successes in Iraq by calling for immediate withdrawal, disregarding the danger to our nation in pulling out indiscriminately, despite the fact the surge is working. What is popular, as trends change, is not always practical or the right course of action. Winning elections during an unpopular war is more important to some in Washington than protecting our security and liberty. That is simply un-American.

As a military veteran who served on the ground in Iraq in the summer of 2006, I have gained a first-hand perspective of our nation's continuing fight against radical Islamic terrorism. Our enemy is unlike any other we have ever faced. To combat this evil, we must bring fresh ideas and take on a lean-forward approach.

Unlike my opponent, I will vote to fund our troops with the equipment and supplies they need to be successful while deployed. My opponent will not, as a means to gain political leverage.

I am not pro-war, I am pro-victory. There is plenty of time to debate whether we should have gone into Iraq in the first place, but the fact is that we are there now. I have extensive experience in the Middle East, unlike my opponent, and I know indisputably that the surge is working under the leadership of General David Petraeus.

We all want the war to end in Iraq and our troops to come home. For the sake of our nation's security and for the sacrifices of the men and women who serve everyday with distinction, I will never vote for surrender to an enemy who would stop at nothing to destroy our way of life.

Our nation must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and must employ every diplomatic tool at our disposal to ensure this never happens.

We must continue to disrupt and destroy the command and communication networks of terrorist groups like Al Qaeda.

America must also continue to recruit brave young men and women to serve in our Armed Forces. They alone selflessly dedicate their lives to the protection of the freedoms we enjoy and firmly stand on the tip of our nation's diplomatic spear.

Locally, Eastern Long Island is uniquely positioned to make an immediate impact in enhancing our national security. I can't think of a better symbol of Long Island's commitment to our country than the 106th Rescue Wing at Gabreski Field in Westhampton Beach. This unit executes our nation's most important mission, dedicated to the moral obligation of rescuing our downed aircrews and operators behind enemy lines. When they're not rescuing service members, they are out patrolling the Atlantic for rescues in extreme weather conditions. Part of our efforts, on behalf of the United States Military, will begin by providing the 106th Rescue Wing with increased manpower and uncompromising support for their mission. We will ensure they have the best tools available to carry out their invaluable and dangerous duties.

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