Based on his record for supporting veterans’ issues during his first term in Congress, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee endorsed Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack in Iowa’s Second District Congressional race. Loebsack is running against Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa –- a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, who served 24 years and retired in 2006 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Roger Schwieso, Iowa VFW state legislative chairman, wrote in a letter to Loebsack Sep. 15:

“Congressman Loebsack has been a tremendous advocate for veterans in Eastern Iowa. Congressman Loebsack earned the support of Iowa veterans and the VFW Political Action Committee because he has championed the issues most important to active servicemembers, veterans, and our families. Since entering office, Congressman Loebsack worked to ensure passage of the largest ever funding increase for the VA, a new GI bill for the 21st century, and the Wounded Warriors Act. We are greatly appreciative of the Congressman’s efforts, and we are looking forward to working with him in the future.”

During his first term representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, Loebsack was named to the House Armed Services Committee, where he supported the largest funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration, cosponsored the 21st century G.I. Bill and funding for mental health care for veterans.

“It is truly an honor to have the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee,” Loebsack said in a statement. “I strongly believe that our nation has a solemn responsibility to care for those who have worn our nation’s uniform, and I work every day to assure that we serve them with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country. I am proud of my record, and I will continue to fight every day for our veterans, servicemembers, and military families.”

The VFW Political Action Committee, a nonpartisan organization, was founded in 1979 to support candidates for federal office who advocate for our nation’s veterans and military personnel as well as for America’s national security. It is the nation’s only major Veterans Service Organization political action committee and represents more than 2.2 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries and their families.