RETIRED GENERALS AND ADMIRALS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

DES MOINES, IA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Iowans Major General Evan "Curly" Hultman, USA (Ret.); Brigadier General Russ Eggers, USAF (Ret.); Major General Merrill Evans, USA (Ret.); Brigadier General Maurice Phillips, USA (Ret.); Brigadier General W.L. "Bill" Wallace, USA (Ret.); and Major General Gary Wattnem, USA (Ret.), along with nearly 250 retired generals and admirals from around the country are endorsing John McCain for president. The retired generals and admirals signed the following letter of endorsement of John McCain's candidacy:

We have had the honor and privilege of serving as career officers in the United States Armed Forces, and of serving shoulder to shoulder with so many of the fine young men and women who are the backbone of America's Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. It is that experience that informs our judgment that John McCain is the presidential candidate best suited to serve as America's Commander-in Chief from the day of his inauguration.

Our next president will confront national security challenges as significant as those faced by any administration in at least a generation. Success will require a leader with proven tenacity, judgment and courage. It will also require a leader with detailed knowledge of our military and other instruments of national power, and with years of experience dealing seriously with foreign leaders.

John McCain's entire life has been devoted to the service of America. Throughout a long and distinguished career in the military and in Congress, he has repeatedly displayed the courage and integrity to place America's interests first -- regardless of personal cost. And he has demonstrated the experience and wisdom to lead America -- and, importantly, our allies -- in effectively dealing with complex and vitally important national security challenges around the world.