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	Security Scene; National Review Online Friday, August 22, 2008 Local SD Combat Veteran Returns to Iraq to Conduct Extensive Policy Assessment Thursday, July 31, 2008 Obama Cancels Visit to U.S. Troops in Germany Friday, July 25, 2008 Obama canceled a trip to visit wounded troops while in Germany because it would have been "inappropriate" A veteran's defense of Cornyn Friday, May 30, 2008 "My Answer Is No"; Associated Press Friday, April 11, 2008 View on the war: Don't leave job half done; allow democracy to flourish Friday, April 04, 2008 Learning from experience: Pioneer Press Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Iraq’s Window of Opportunity- Pete Hegseth: National Review Online Monday, March 24, 2008 Iraq, the Iowa of the Middle East? Wednesday, March 19, 2008 There are few places where the wheels of democracy turn more freely than Iowa. Every four years, the eyes of the world focus on the Hawkeye state as we kick off the presidential political season. And we don’t just vote when the CNN cameras are rolling, we vote in little-publicized local elections, too, because it is our civic duty. The Price of Freedom - Jeremy Christiansen Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Actual Rules of Engagement are Strong- Thad Coakley: North County Times Monday, March 10, 2008 America Will Not Be Defeated- David Bellavia: Townhall.com Friday, March 07, 2008 Betrayed by State - Owen West: New York Post Friday, February 29, 2008 A Neighborhood, Reborn - Pete Hegseth: National Review Online Thursday, February 28, 2008 Lessons on the Long War - Pete Hegseth: National Review Online Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Golden Moments - Pete Hegseth: National Review Online Friday, February 22, 2008 On the Edge? - The media smears returning vets. Friday, February 15, 2008 IN THE LAST several weeks I have learned a great deal about myself, thanks to all the wonderful media reports about serving and returning war veterans. For example, I have learned that I might want to kill my wife because of the trauma of war. Or, if I have no beef with my family, that I might go after my neighbors instead. Another perspective on Haditha - Thad Coakley: North County Times Monday, February 04, 2008 Praise Him - Pete Hegseth: National Review Friday, January 18, 2008 Death Blow to Defeatists - Pete Hegseth: National Review Online Tuesday, January 15, 2008 The Lessons of Iraq - Erik Swabb: Wall Street Journal Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Give U.S. troops in Iraq the chance for victory - Vincent Micco & Ron Griffin: Boston Herald Sunday, December 30, 2007 American Troops are Winning - Pete Hegseth: Washington Times Tuesday, December 11, 2007 Getting Beyond Stalemate to Win a War - John Batiste and Pete Hegseth: Washington Post Saturday, December 08, 2007 No 'Nightmare' - Pete Hegseth, NY Post Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Friendly Fire - Eve Fairbanks, The New Republic Friday, October 05, 2007 Al Qaeda Crippled By U.S. Strategy - Pete Hegseth, CBS News Tuesday, October 02, 2007 MoveOn.org Calls Petraeus a Traitor - Pete Hegseth, Vets for Freedom Monday, September 10, 2007 MoveOn.org is suggesting that General Petraeus has 'betrayed' his country. This is disgusting. To attack as a traitor an American general commanding forces in war because his 'on the ground' experience does not align with MoveOn.org's political objectives is utterly shameful. Powerful New Pro-Mission Ads Wednesday, August 22, 2007 For the past few months, Vets for Freedom has been on the front lines of the Iraq war debate in America, with only a few allies. But this morning, in a very real sense, the cavalry appeared on the horizon in the form of a new organization called Freedom's Watch. A Veteran with a Voice - Susan Duclos, Washington Times Thursday, August 16, 2007 Iraq war veteran Pete Hegseth served in 2005-06 with the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. Now serving with the New York Army National Guard, Lt. Hegseth is executive director of Vets For Freedom. Veterans Group Campaigns to Continue Iraq Surge - Eric Pfeiffer, Washington Times Thursday, August 09, 2007 A group of "pro-mission" Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans is asking lawmakers on Capitol Hill to give the military surge in Iraq more time to succeed in advance of a top military commander's progress report next month. Vets for Freedom Get Loud - Ericka Andersen, Human Events Wednesday, August 08, 2007 Five weeks ago, VFF launched a campaign called “10 Weeks to Testimony,” which counts down towards Multinational Force- Iraq Commander Gen. David Petraeus’s report on progress in September. This campaign serves to “lead the charge to support General Petraeus and stop anti-war radicals and politicians on Capitol Hill from undermining the troops". Wall Street Journal: Give the 'Surge' a Chance Monday, July 09, 2007 VFF's Executive Director, Pete Hegseth, argues that the 'surge' should be judged on its merits, not according to domestic political timelines. Washington Post: A Reality Check for the Anti-War Crowd Monday, June 25, 2007 VFF's Executive Director, Pete Hegseth, explains why the soundbites about Iraq made by anti-war politicians are simply empty rhetoric. New York Times: The Laptop is Mightier than the Sword Monday, June 18, 2007 VFF's Owen West writes that the US cannot win beat an insurgency unless the troops have the technological tools they need to lock up bad guys. Slate: The Adviser Model Sunday, June 17, 2007 We have to stay in Iraq for a decade. Here's how to do it. Minneapolis Star-Tribune: The surge can work, but it needs time Monday, May 21, 2007 Vets for Freedom Member Pete Hegseth writes, "the strategy being applied today by Army Gen. David Petraeus includes a complete tactical overhaul, and the U.S. military is finally creating security conditions that must precede political and economic success. The question is, will Petraeus be given the time to see it through?" New York Times: Why Congress Should Embrace the Surge Tuesday, May 01, 2007 Vets for Freedom member and Marine Reservist Owen West's Op-Ed article argues in support of the troop surge in Iraq and predicts that significant numbers of American soldiers will be needed in Iraq for another decade; he also contends that if US politicians pull back some troops, Iraqi troops will scale back also, ceding some zones to protect others. Boston Globe: The US Needs to Stay in Iraq Tuesday, March 20, 2007 VFF member Erik Swabb explains in a Boston Globe op-ed how the new US strategy in Iraq is different than past security opertations, and why we must give the plan a chance to succeed. Washington Post: Why They Fight -- From Within Tuesday, January 16, 2007 "The military's job is to carry out and implement foreign policy, not influence it," said Wade Zirkle, the executive director of Vets for Freedom. "That's what separates our country from military dictatorships. That's why we don't have military coups and military people running our country." San Diego Union-Tribune: Analysts Look for Light at End of Tunnel Thursday, January 11, 2007 More troops are essential, but they will not bring stability to Iraq without a a clear strategy, said Iraq war veteran David Bellavia, who co-founded the pro-war organization Vets for Freedom after leaving the Army in 2005. CBS Evening News: Where are the medals for troops in Iraq Saturday, January 06, 2007 "I think we would be in a better state right now as a military and a nation if we honored those young men and women who are doing their jobs," David Bellavia says. NBC News WHEC: Reaction to Saddam Hussein Execution Friday, December 29, 2006 David Bellavia, a former Army Staff Sergeant who served two tours of duty in Iraq, agrees. "It doesn't matter what you do, whether it's universal or just micro, these people are still going to want to kill us.” Bellavia says along with the execution comes accountability in the region for the first time. CBS News-8: Reaction to Iraq Study Group Wednesday, December 06, 2006 VFF Cofounder David Bellavia discusses the results of the ISG, "Right now, are we losing this fight? We are not losing this fight; we are losing the will for this fight," Bellavia said. The Weekly Standard: Six Steps to Victory Monday, November 20, 2006 VFF's National Leadership Team Member Eric Egland writes that success in Iraq is still within reach, and he offers six steps for victory. USA Today: Iraq Withdrawal to be Put to Voters in Three States Thursday, October 26, 2006 "Wade Zirkle, executive director of Vets for Freedom, said the referendums are a publicity stunt, and the outcome will not represent the majority: 'I don't think a ballot referendum in some of the most liberal cities in America is going to hold much water.'" Wall Street Journal: More Troops, Please Monday, October 16, 2006 Vets for Freedom member and Army National Guardsman Pete Hegseth's article argues the need for more troops in Iraq, in order to secure the populatin and enable a true counter-insurgency strategy. CBS Evening News: Former Marine Speaks About Staying The Course In Iraq Tuesday, October 10, 2006 Vets for Freedom Action Fund's Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, contributes to segment about the future implications of the Iraq War on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Vets for Freedom Action Fund runs full-page ad in The Macon Telegraph supporting embattled Democratic Congressman Jim Marshall Thursday, September 28, 2006 Click above to view ad: "Thank You Congressman Marshall" Christian Science Monitor: Train Soldiers to Win Hearts and Minds Wednesday, September 20, 2006 Vets for Freedom's Erik Swabb writes: Unfortunately, at a time when irregular warfare is becoming increasingly important, the US military is struggling to meet the irregular threats it faces today.... Hartford Courant: Lamont, Lieberman Put Spotlight Back on Iraq Monday, September 11, 2006 On Wednesday, Vets for Freedom aired a commercial in which four Connecticut veterans thanked Lieberman for his support. New York Times: As Outsider, Lieberman Walks Tricky Path Saturday, September 09, 2006 Vets for Freedom is also planning to rally Republicans to vote for Mr. Lieberman, using commercials and other organizing tools. Alan Schlesinger, the Republican challenger, is trailing far behind, with only nominal support from his party leaders. Hartford Courant: Vets Ad for Lieberman called 'Swift-boating' Thursday, September 07, 2006 "Zirkle said Lamont and his campaign have no reason to object to Lieberman testimonials by the four veterans. 'He is trying to marginalize what the troops are trying to say by saying they are part of some conspiracy,' he said. 'I think that is really shameful.'" Associated Press: War Veterans Backing Lieberman Wednesday, September 06, 2006 Sen. Joe Lieberman's re-election bid is getting some outside help from a group grateful for the lawmaker's support for the Iraq war. New York Times: War Veterans Lend Support to Lieberman in TV Ads Tuesday, September 05, 2006 An independent group, Vets for Freedom, will begin sponsoring television commercials early next week for Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, thanking him for his support of the war in Iraq. Stamford Advocate: Lieberman starts door-to-door effort, retools Web site Tuesday, September 05, 2006 Also on Tuesday, an independent group with Republican ties said it will air a TV ad in Connecticut on Wednesday and Thursday thanking Lieberman for supporting the Iraq war. US News and World Report: Friends in Unexpected Places Monday, August 21, 2006 Vets for Freedom, a new group whose members saw duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, believes it has helped put independent Connecticut Senate candidate Sen. Joe Lieberman back in the lead after his primary loss to Ned Lamont over the war issue. London Daily Telegraph: Republicans Back Democrats Sunday, August 20, 2006 The wounds and decorations for bravery earned by so many of the Vets for Freedom mean that their views will not be easy to dismiss. New York Times: GOP Deserts one of its Own for Lieberman Saturday, August 19, 2006 Vets for Freedom is one of factors positively impacting Joe Lieberman's surging re-election campaign. The Stamford Advocate: Iraq Veterans Group Supports Lieberman Friday, August 18, 2006 "We're unabashedly 'pro-mission.' We believe in what we fought for and want politicians in Washington to stand by what they sent us out to do," Zirkle said in a phone interview. "(Lieberman's) been so steadfast in support of the mission and abandoned by many in his party because of it." Boston Globe: News and Notes from the Campaign Trail Wednesday, August 16, 2006 The national organization calling itself the nonpartisan "Vets for Freedom" ran a full-page ad this week in The Hartford Courant. A group of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan... Hartford Courant: 'Vets for Freedom' Creates a Stir Tuesday, August 15, 2006 The paid message was placed by the Virginia-based Vets for Freedom Action Fund, established last month under Section 527 of the federal tax code as a nonpartisan organization "to communicate with the public on veterans' issues and the war in Iraq." ABC News: New Iraq Books Paint Dismal Picture for Americans Saturday, August 12, 2006 Vets for Freedom's Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, contributes to an article about the recent wave of negative books covering Iraq. Newsweek: A Hawk Stays Aloft Saturday, August 12, 2006 Jonathan Darman explains what Vets for Freedom is doing in Connecticut and how it's helping pro-mission Senator Joe Lieberman. Wall Street Journal: Iraq Woes Roil Political Debate Thursday, August 10, 2006 A WSJ cover story explains why Vets for Freedom is helping pro-mission candidates this fall. The Weekly Standard: The Birth of an Army Sunday, July 16, 2006 Vets for Freedom's cofounders David Bellavia, Owen West and Wade Zirkle describe the current situation with the Iraqi Security Forces. Bellavia and Zirkle were in Ramadi embedded with the Iraqi Army in June. Philadelphia Enquirer: In Ramadi a Test of Iraqi Forces Tuesday, July 11, 2006 VFF's cofounders David Bellavia and Wade Zirkle -Iraq veterans turned-embedded journalists- explain the situation facing the Iraqi Army in Ramadi Philadelphia Enquirer: In Ramadi, a Test of Iraqi Forces Thursday, July 06, 2006 Vets for Freedom's Co-founders David Bellavia and Wade Zirkle write about their experiences in Ramadi last month. Philadelphia Inquirer: Valiance Outweighs Abuse Allegations Sunday, June 18, 2006 Vets for Freedom Co-Founder, Knox Nunnally, contributes to an article about the valiance and good judgement of the troops fighting in Iraq in Afghanistan. New York Times: The Troops Have Moved On Wednesday, May 31, 2006 (Opinion) Vets for Freedom Co-founder, Owen West, asks both sides of the isle to get serious about confronting the challenges of our long, Global War on Terror. Contra-Costa Times: Celebrating Those Who Chase Evil, Give Safe Harbor to Liberty Saturday, May 27, 2006 Vets for Freedom's Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, hopes that we mourn the losses of our fallen warriors, but also celebrate the lives they led. Philadelphia Inquirer: When Media Pull Back, Coverage is a Casualty Friday, May 12, 2006 (Opinion)Vets for Freedom's Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, examines why today's wartime media coverage is lacking. USA Today: Humvee Deaths on the Rise Despite Armor Upgrades Wednesday, May 03, 2006 Vets for Freedom Co-Founder, Knox Nunnally, contributes to a piece about the continued threat of IEDs in Iraq. Knight-Ridder Newsapers: White House Rebuffs Generals' Calls for Rumsfeld to Resign Thursday, April 13, 2006 Vets for Freedom’s Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, contributes to a piece about retired Generals criticizing the War effort. The Washington Post: Troops in Support of the War Thursday, April 13, 2006 (Opinion) Vets for Freedom Executive Director Wade Zirkle explains that some people from politics, the media and elsewhere purport to represent "our" views. With all due respect, most often they don't. The Des Moines Register: Benefits Ripple Beyond Iraq's Borders Thursday, March 30, 2006 (Opinion) Vets for Freedom's Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, examines the Iraq War in the context of concurrent progress being made in the Middle East region. Townhall.com: Self-fulfilling Prophecies Do Not Equal National Interests Sunday, March 19, 2006 (Opinion) Vets for Freedom's Executive Director, Wade Zirkle, looks at media-public opinion cycle that results in misconceptionss about the Iraq War.

Paid for by Vets for Freedom Political Action Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.vetsforfreedom.org/pac.

Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) organization which focuses primarily on educating the American public about the importance of achieving success in the Global War on Terrorism by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics. Vets for Freedom PAC is a federal political action committee which aims to support those candidates who recognize the importance of achieving success in the Global War on Terrorism. Vets for Freedom and Vets for Freedom PAC are separate organizations.