Charlie Summers, the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District, has gotten the endorsement of Vets for Freedom, a group of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans who seek to educate Americans about achieving success in the current overseas conflicts.

Vets for Freedom Chairman, Pete Hegseth said the following in a release from the Summers campaign:

“As a fellow veteran, I am truly humbled to speak on behalf of more than 27,000 members of Vets for Freedom in offering our strong endorsement of Charlie Summers for United States Congress. Serving in combat demands an extremely unique dedication to excellence, a true understanding of leadership and an unselfish willingness to serve your country. Charlie understands this firsthand, and it’s that same perspective that he will use to approach his job as a Congressman. He knows that the fight we are currently undertaking in Iraq and Afghanistan is vital to our success in the global effort against Islamic extremism.”

Locally, a coalition of veterans has formed in support of Republican Presidential candidate John McCain. The group will work to build support within Maine’s veteran community.

"John McCain puts his country first, which is why so many veterans from across Maine and the nation support him. McCain alone has the experience and the judgment to lead America's armed forces and keep our country safe," said Admiral George E.R. "Gus" Kinnear, USN (Ret.) of York, who serves as Chair of Maine Veterans for McCain, according to a release.

Captain Lou Pollock, USNR (Ret.) and Paul McKenney, Army, are the state co-chairs of the committee.

County chairs are: Aroostook -- Robert W. Gilman, Air Force; Androscoggin County -- Amedo Lauria, Army; Cumberland County Lee Humiston, Air Force; Franklin County -- Fred O. Smith, Navy; Hancock County -- Robert Slaven, Navy; Kennebec County -- Neil Farrington, Navy; Knox County -- Mike McNeil, Navy; Lincoln County -- Dick Bailey, Marine Corps; Oxford County -- Art Cormier, Air Force; Penobscot County -- Russell Treadwell, Marine Corps; Piscataquis County -- Pete Johnson, Army; Sagadahoc County - - Larry Dearborn, Army; Somerset County Sen. Peter Mills, Navy; Waldo County John Ford, Air Force; Washington County Rep. Joe Tibbetts, Army; and York County -- Hib Theriault, Army.