Shaheen announces veterans support

Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury): Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.comMANCHESTER -- Flanked by veterans from every war since World War II, former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) announced her "Veterans for Shaheen" group.

The group will be co-chaired by state Rep. Eleanor Kjellman (D-Henniker) and retired Air Force General Jim Smith.

"Her record speaks for itself," Smith said. "She's has always been there for us."

Smith said that as governor, Shaheen supported the establishment of a veteran's cemetery and benefits for returning soldiers.

"As senator, I would work to uphold the promises we've made to the men and women who have served this country," Shaheen said in Manchester's Veterans Park.

Shaheen, who is running for U.S. Senate, said she would work for a full service Veterans Administration hospital in New Hampshire and fully fund VA programs.

"We need a voice in Washington that will be more than just rhetoric but action as well."

Paul Chevalier, a co-chair of "Veterans for Sununu" and a former state VFW commander, said that U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley), Shaheen's opponent in the fall general election, has been a "strong voice" for veterans.

"There has been no stronger voice for New Hampshire veterans in the United States Senate than John Sununu," Chevalier responded.

Chevalier said that Sununu has worked to open a VA center in Berlin and is attempting to pass the "Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act," which would grant housing grants to younger disabled veterans.

After the event, Shaheen's campaign released a list of 100 veterans who are supporting the former governor in her U.S. Senate bid.

The event occurred the same day that the secretary of the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, James Peake, toured the Manchester Veterans Administration Medical Center with Sununu.