Veterans in Cleveland this week for the Republican convention have been sharing their reasons for supporting party nominee Donald Trump, calling him the clear choice to be the next commander in chief.
Many say their positive opinions of the controversial candidate include his business background and outspoken attitude. But they also say his plans for the military and promises to help veterans are convincing hooks in winning their votes.
Here's a sampling of their thoughts:
Charles Bruckerhoff, a Connecticut delegate who served in the Army for two years during the Vietnam War:
Barb Finger, a Wisconsin delegate who served in the Navy and reserves for 34 years:
"Donald Trump is unabashedly proud to be an American. He'll build up the military to where we can be safe and proud of America's place in the world again. I'm a Navy veteran and an Army mom. I know Trump is going to clean up the mess at the Department of Veterans Affairs."
Mac Warner, candidate for West Virginia secretary of state and a state delegate who served for 23 years in the Army:
Jack Mahuron, an Indiana delegate who served in the Air Force and National Guard for 42 years:
"We're still at war. I served in World War II and the Korean War. Trump is an outsider and a great businessman, but I know he will make America strong and get our defenses up to par. That's important."
John Meyer, a South Dakota delegate who served for 30 years in the Navy:
Rich Kiper, a Kansas delegate who served in the Army for 23 years and worked as a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan:
"I was not a Trump fan to start out with, but I'm even less of a fan of Hillary. In my view, my support here is more about being against her. I agree 99 percent with the Republican platform, and I think the best commander in chief would be a Republican one. So I can support Trump knowing the party is behind him."
Dane Maxwell, a Mississippi delegate who served in the Marine Corps for four years:
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
