Service Academy Graduates Join Forces

Hundreds of graduates of West Point, Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy have joined forces to support candidates for elected federal office who are committed to ensuring the continued national defense of our country.

For Immediate Release                 
October 8, 2003

Contact: Thomas Ratcliff at (866) GRADPAC or press@gradpac.org

Service Academy Graduates Join Forces

Form Political Action Committee; Launch Website; Set to Evaluate and Endorse Political Candidates

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 8 2003-- Hundreds of graduates of West Point, Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy have joined forces to support candidates for elected federal office who are committed to ensuring the continued national defense of our country.

GradPAC, a national non-partisan political action committee, was founded by service academy graduates in an effort to bolster the elected ranks with representatives devoted to the oft-forgotten ideals of duty, honor country and who have—as selfless public servants—embodied those principles as academy graduates, military leaders and pillars of their communities.

“GradPAC is not just an organization—it is an ideal,” said Shawn Olds, Executive Director and Chairman of GradPAC. “Academy graduates represent some of the very best soldiers and statesmen our country has to offer, and those who engage themselves in the political process will bring great integrity and leadership to elected office.”

The mission of GradPAC is to support service academy graduates who have served their nation with distinction and valor during their military careers while holding true to their oath to provide a lifetime of honorable, dedicated service to America. Accordingly, GradPAC will evaluate and endorse such academy graduates who seek election to the U.S. House, Senate and the Presidency of the United States. Among five graduates already serving in Congress, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (West Point Class of ‘71) has ably served the residents of Rhode Island for almost two decades in public office.

"Through much of our nation's history, service academy graduates have proudly and bravely stood in the breach in defense of our citizens' freedoms and way of life," said Senator Reed. "It is only fitting that more academy graduates serve their communities in elected office as nobly as they have served their country in uniform."

Beyond endorsements, GradPAC will provide financial and strategic support to candidates for federal office while drawing on the examples set by the distinguished service academy graduates already serving in Congress. Through a “Clausewitz for Congress” approach, fellow graduates whom already hold office will provide mentorship for those seeking office. Graduates such as Illinois Congressman John Shimkus (West Point Class of ’80) will impart their wisdom and knowledge of the political arena to aspiring officeholders.

“The leadership skills I possess today were—in large part—infused during my years at the U.S. Military Academy,” said Congressman Shimkus. “The decisions I make in Washington affecting our military are also impacted by the years I served in military uniform.”

GradPAC.org provides a vehicle by which academy graduates can raise funds, support each other’s candidacies and learn valuable political tools to gain elected office for the betterment of their community and country.

Professional Baseball Hall of Famer and World War II veteran Warren Spahn is a member of GradPAC’s eleven-member advisory board. His sentiments epitomize why his fellow board members are affiliated with GradPAC.

“I have always been proud to have served my country, and I’m honored to be a part of GradPAC,” said Mr. Spahn who was also awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and earned a battlefield commission in WWII.

He continued, “I have had a profound respect for graduates of the service academies and served with many of them in WWII. Now more than ever, our country needs civilian leaders with their typical qualities. I’m glad that an organization like GradPAC exists to help graduates and other veterans who would continue their service to our great country by way of elected office.”

With the 2004 election cycle upon us, GradPAC’s executive board will review and decide on possible support of eight service academy graduates who have already filed for federal office.

They are:

·   Wesley Clark (West Point Class of ’66), a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President
·   John Borling (Air Force Academy Class of ’63), a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois
·   Mike Miles (West Point Class of ‘78), a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Colorado
·   Geoff Davis (West Point Class of ‘81), a candidate to represent Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District
·   Michael DelGrosso (Annapolis Class of ’94), a candidate to represent Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District
·   Wes Riddle (West Point Class of ’83), a candidate to represent Texas’ 11th Congressional District
·     Vernon Robinson (Air Force Academy Class of ’77), a candidate to represent North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District
·   Patrick McNamara (West Point Class of ’97), a candidate to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District

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“I do not stand here as an advocate for any partisan cause, for the issues are fundamental and reach quite beyond the realm of partisan consideration. They must be resolved on the highest plane of national interest if our course is to prove sound and our future protected.”

General Douglas MacArthur, Address to a Joint Session of Congress
April 19, 1951