Formed in the spring of 2006, the Democratic National Veterans and Military Families Council aims to further strengthen outreach to our troops and families who have given so much in defense of our country. The Council seeks proper training and equipment for our troops as they head to battle; a budget that reflects America's responsibilities to our veterans by providing health care options and assistance to military families; support and assistance for veterans and their families when they return home from fighting abroad; and a continued support for the values and dignity that come with a military career.
While the Council intends to support an ongoing conversation about the role veterans and military families play in the political and policy process, it also intends to support those Democratic veterans looking to continue serving their country by running for office. For a list of Democratic veterans seeking federal office, click here.
To stay informed and up-to-date, you can sign up for the Veterans and Military Families email list here. You can also support the work of the Democratic National Veterans and Military Families Council by making a contribution here.
Council Members
Donald Fowler, Co-Chair (SC): A former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Fowler is a retired Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. Having served as Commander of the 360th U.S. Army Civil Affairs Brigade in Columbia and the 1189th United States Army Transportation Terminal Unit in Charleston, Fowler was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, Co-Chair: The first and only woman to serve as a three-star general in the United States Army, General Kennedy served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Intelligence in 1997-2000.
Joe Rios (AZ): He served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969, most of which was spent in Vietnam.
Mick Bilney (CO): Mick Bilney is an Army veteran who served three years in Vietnam from 1968-1971. Was the chairman of national conventions for the National Association of Concerned Veterans.
Prentice Nelson (DC): Master Sergeant Prentice Nelson joined the United States Marine Corps in 1975. He served with distinction for 25 years during which he logged over 5,000 flight hours CH-46 Helicopter as an Aircrewman. He is currently a senior consultant with an architecture firm in Washington, D.C.
Gregory Baldwin (FL): Mr. Baldwin is a wounded Vietnam veteran who saw combat in Vietnam in 1970. During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal.
Lanon Baccam (IA): Lanon Baccam served a year in Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guard from June 2004 - June 2005.
Maj. Gen. George Buskirk (IN): Major General George Buskirk assumed the position of the Adjutant General of Indiana in 2001.
Jim Buterbaugh (KS): Jim Buterbaugh was a State and National Officer for the American Legion. He was appointed to serve on the Kansas Veterans Board of Directors.
Michael Nolan (KY): Micheal is a Navy Veteran from the Vietnam era and he is a member of the Veterans for Progress in Kentucky.
Bill Dooling (MA): Bill is a 1st Lt.(Retired) and served in the US Army Security Agency 1966-70 in Vietnam.
Jack Devine (MI): Mr. Devine is the leader of Michigan's Veteran's Caucus.
Mike Evans (MO): Mike Evans was an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army. He is now a marketing specialist.
Ed Tinsley (MT): Served as a short-range air defense artillery crewmember in Germany and Fort Lewis.
Gerry Finnegan (NE): Was the head of Veterans for Kerry, now is NE Democratic Party Treasurer.
Steve Shurtleff (NH): He served in the US Army as a military policeman.
Brigadier General Preston Taylor (NJ): Retired Brigadier General from the Air Force. He served 37 years of active duty. In 1993, General Preston was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate to serve as Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training.
Mike Aupperle (NV): Mike Aupperle is a veteran and retired union member.
Rep. John Boccieri (OH): John Boccieri is a State Representative from Ohio. He served multiple tours in Iraq.
Ron Wasson (OK): Chair of the Oklahoma State Party Veterans committee. Retired Marine and served in the Vietnam War.
John Calhoun (OR): John Calhoun is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam.
Jim Rassmann (OR): Jim Rassmann served in Viet Nam and currently lives in Coos Bay Oregon.
Hal Donahue (PA): Hal Donahue served in the Air Force and recently retired.
Maura Satchell (TN): Maura Satchell is a military family member. Husband is an Army Reserve Major, who served in the Iraq war.
Larry Romo (TX): Larry Romo is a USAF Reserves Lieutenant Colonel and USAF Academy Admissions Liaison member.
Larry Daniel (UT): Larry Daniel is chair of the new UT Veterans and Military Families Caucus.
Karen Dahl (WI): Karen Dahl is a military wife who is active in the military families community.
Bruce Drummond (WY): Bruce Drummond is a Past Commander of the American Legion in Sheridan, WY.
Chris Shannon (Democrats Abroad): Chris Shannon a veteran of both 7th Special Forces Group and the 82nd Airborne division. Serving from 1979 - 1987.
