Perry Courts Vet Vote In Mount Pleasant

Needing to find a spark to make a run at the Republican nomination in South Carolina, Gov. Rick Perry launched an initiative Thursday aimed at veterans.

In Mount Pleasant aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, commissioned during World War II, Perry unveiled the Veterans for Perry Coalition, support from prominent veterans from each of the early voting states, including South Carolina.

"One day after the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, I think it is fitting that we are sitting on one of the decks of this great ship," said Perry, with dozens of veterans among the small gathering. "This ship symbolizes the American story."

Perry is the only Republican candidate with active military service, according to his campaign. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a tactical airlift pilot from 1972-1977, flying C-130 tactical airline aircraft, moving military troops and equipment. His father served in World War II.

South Carolina is home to more than 400,000 veterans, according to the state Office of Veterans' Affairs. A point that Perry clearly wants to focus on in the Palmetto State. Census estimates point to more than 200,000 veterans in Iowa and 120,000 in New Hampshire.

Perry is polling third in South Carolina, but far behind frontrunners Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

During the short 11-minute talk on the Yorktown, Perry touted the importance of continuing to honor veterans and support the active-duty military.

"We can never repay their sacrifice but we ought to live our lives as if we could," Perry said. 

While less than 50 people attended Thursday's event, about one-third of the audience wore a veteran ball cap, stating the veteran's service or war. 

Sid Busch of Goose Creek wore a Navy submariner's cap. Veterans benefits is his No. 1 voting issue for the 2012 presidential race.

"We have been losing (veteran benefits) left and right over the last eight years," said Busch, who has not decided whom he will support on Jan. 21.

Rear Adm. James Flatley III of Mount Pleasant, who has endorsed Mitt Romney for president, said focusing on veterans is a good idea for Perry.

Perry has an advantage because he served in the military, Flatley said. That brings some implied credibility,  but backing up promises with examples and stories from real people helps.

“You’ve got to stay aware of the terms, and be believable when you tell veterans that they are a priority," Flatley said. “Veterans are Republican voters. They are part of your base, so you need to know the hot-button issues with them."

Like other candidates, Perry needs to talk about his background to build support with certain groups, said retired Army Lt. Col. Joe Bustos, who was in the audience at Perry's event, but has not committed to any candidate.

"For someone who has a lot of business experience, Mitt Romney's executive experience might be attractive. It's the same thing with veterans," Bustos said. "All the candidates are trying to leverage what they’ve done and who they know and build affinity groups."

Veterans expect to hear that candidates will support care for injured soldiers and for the continuation of retiree healthcare benefits, Bustos said.

"The promises that are made should be kept," Bustos said. "And for those who have been badly broken, the country does owe them a debt."

Perry made those promises while stumping in South Carolina. And in new television ad in Iowa this week restated his opposition to the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. In South Carolina, he assailed the president for repealing the measure.

"I think our President made a huge error when he changed the (DADT) policy," Perry said Thursday. "Particularly in the middle of a war in two different theaters of war, basically using our military as a political tool to advance his base's position in their desire to make those individuals (gay service members) public. And I think that is, frankly, of great concern."

"I think we have made a substantial error with this president promoting a political agenda for his political base on this particular issue."

Perry, who compared the comeback after the December 7 attack to the nation being on the precipice of a comeback from the September 11 attacks 10 years ago, reinforced his veteran support with some key endorsements.

Among the coalition's steering committee members is Maj. Gen. Bob Livingston, the head of the state's Military Department and the state's Adjunct General.

South Carolina resident Maj. Gen. James Everett Livingston, U.S. Marine Corp (Ret.) and medal of honor recipient is one of the coalition's national co-chairs. 

"Gov. Perry truly understands the honor of volunteering to serve our great nation," said Livingston in the statement. "He has advocated on behalf of veterans and their families as governor of Texas, and I know he will proudly represent me and veterans across the nation when he is president." 

Here is a list of the major participants in the coalition, according to the Perry campaign.

National Co-Chairs

• Major General James Everett Livingston, MOH, U.S. Marine Corp (Ret.) (South Carolina)
• Chuck Larson, Sr., Fmr. U.S. Attorney and Justice Attaché to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Colonel (USAR, Ret.) (Iowa)
• Dakota Meyer, Sergeant, USMC (Ret.) (Kentucky)
• William R. Mann, Lt. Colonel, US Army (Ret.) (Florida)
• The Honorable Allen B. Clark , Fmr. Assistant Secretary for Veterans Liaison and Program Coordination and Director, National Cemetery System at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, CPT (USA-Ret) (Texas) 

National Steering Committee

• The Honorable James Inhofe, U.S. Senator, Oklahoma, U.S. Army (Ret.)
• The Honorable Sam Johnson, United States Congressman, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
• The Honorable Brian Birdwell, Texas State Senator, District 22, Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Ret.)
• The Honorable Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner, Lt. Col. U.S. Marine Corp (Ret.)
• Dr. Richard Box, U.S. Army (Ret.)
• Marcus Luttrell, Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy Seal (Ret.)
• Mike Thornton, U.S. Navy Seal (Ret.)
• Daniel P. Moran, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) 

S.C. Leadership Team

• State Chair: James Everett Livingston, Major General U.S. Marines (Ret.)
• Steering Committee:
  • Major General Bob Livingston , Adjutant General - State of South Carolina
  • Herb Ellis, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)
  • James "Boo" Alford, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Ret.)
  • Darwin Simpson, Major General, S.C. Army National Guard (Ret.)
  • Todd Humphries, Staff Sergeant., U.S. Army (Ret.)
  • Roger Sanderson, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Ret.)
  • Mark Kelly , Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
  • Daniel Jones, Sergeant, US Army
  • Charles E. Edge, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret.)