• Open Letter Signed By 121 Retired Flag Officers On John Kerry's Political Expediency Regarding The War On Terror.

  There is nothing more important than supporting troops at war. We understand that because we have commanded Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. We know that President Bush understands this obligation to the men and women of our armed forces. He increased pay and military funding prior to September 11th and has given our troops the support they need in the War on Terror.</blockqoute>



• President Bush opposes the draft.

  President Bush is committed to keeping participation in the United States Armed Services voluntary. The President’s cabinet has stated that a draft is not being considered. Recruitment and retention rates remain strong, and the military has not had any problem maintaining a strong force. President Bush is confident in the current state of the military and has assured that Nation that the all-volunteer military force is working well.



• A specific plan for the future to defeat our enemies.

  America must have the best intelligence possible to win the War on Terror and to make America and the world safer. Reforms are already underway, yet there is more work to be done. Working with Congress, the President and his Administration have steadfastly advanced toward the goal of an integrated, unified national intelligence effort. The President has already succeeded in obtaining record funding increases and achieving reforms that close dangerous gaps in counterterrorism efforts.



• President Bush remains committed to increased funding for our troops at home and abroad.

  The President believes that the men and women who choose to serve this country deserve not only our respect, but also our support in terms of pay, housing and other quality-of-life issues. The President is committed to taking good care of our military personnel and their families. His fiscal year 2004 budget builds on pay increases of 4% or more in the last two budgets. The budget funds a range of military pay increases from 2 to 6.25%, targeted by rank and years of service. These pay increases enhance our military’s ability to retain its most experienced, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.



• President Bush supports the troops.

  Since 2001, the President's four budgets have increased basic pay by 21 percent. President Bush also increased monthly Imminent Danger pay from $150 to $225 and has proposed doubling Hardship Duty pay.

Citizens and friends, I've been with this president in tough, uncertain times. George W. Bush is the real thing. He is the real thing.

The courage to stand up to terrorists and the consistency necessary to beat them.

Terrorism against our country started long before 9/11. Terrorists have been killing Americans for more than two decades. I am proud that this president has chosen to make a stand.

Each of us on this platform, along with countless others, including more than 250 retired admirals and generals, whose names you see on the screen behind me, stand united," said retired Gen. P.X. Kelley, former commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. "United under the firm conviction that the best way to defend America today is to stand united behind our resolute commander in chief, and re-elect President George W. Bush.