Veterans seeking Congressional seats unite

Four North Florida Congressional candidates, each a military veteran, have endorsed a platform of policies that will improve the lives of veterans and their families.

The modern-day “band of brothers” are Democratic candidates Steven Specht (CD 1), an Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan; former Marine Corps Major Walt Dartland (CD 2); Ken McGurn (CD 3), an Army veteran who served in Vietnam; and Dave Bruderly (CD 4), who was a member of the Navy Reserves during the height of the Cold War.

“We helped defend American freedom overseas, and now we want to fight for veterans and other North Florida residents in Washington,” said Steven Specht, the Democratic nominee in the First Congressional District. “It’s time to give veterans a more meaningful voice in Congress.”

The four served at different times and in different branches of the military, but they share a common understanding of the challenges and pressures facing service members as they transition from active service to civilian life. The four veterans outlined proposals to make that transition easier and to address problems including access to health care, mental illness, and homelessness.

“Our veterans have served us well and faithfully,” said Walt Dartland, who is running in the Second Congressional District. “The country must honor that service and sacrifice by making sure government programs support these brave men and women when they return home.”

The candidates embraced a platform of issues including:

Improved access to health care for veterans
Expanded transitional services for military personnel as they re-enter civilian society
Increased use of veteran treatment courts
Enhanced programs to assist veterans in finding affordable housing
Improved programs to help unemployed veterans
Increased access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services
Restoration of cuts to food stamp benefits for the 900,000 veterans who rely on them to feed their families

“As a member of Congress, I will work to cut the red tape that keeps the VA from being efficient and effective,” said Ken McGurn, candidate in Florida’s Third Congressional District. “I will vote to strengthen services and support for military families. As a veteran, it’s not just policy – it’s personal.”