The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) announced that it has officially endorsed Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in his bid for re-election to the United States Senate.

In a letter to the Iowa Senator, Director of the VFW-PAC Larry Rivers wrote, “In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in your state, this endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee is the nation’s only major Veterans Service Organization PAC. VFW-PAC provides 2.2 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries and their families, with an opportunity to collectively support candidates for federal office. VFW-PAC endorses only those candidates for federal office who support our nations’ veterans and stand in support of a strong national defense.

“It is a great honor to receive this endorsement,” said Harkin. “I have a long history of working for our veterans, for those bravely serving our country abroad and for military families here at home. Many steps have been taken at the Federal level to provide the best care possible for these individuals, but we still have a long way to go. If I have the privilege of being re-elected to the Senate, I plan to continue fighting for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Harkin saw two of his crucial veterans bills become law during this Congress. The Senator joined with another member of the Iowa delegation, Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA-3) in pushing for passage of the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act. This bill – which is named for a soldier from Grundy Center, IA who took his own life after returning from Iraq – directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to step up screening, counseling and other mental health services for returning war veterans. The bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate and was signed by the President in November 2007.

Harkin also recently introduced and ensured passage of the Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families Bill. This legislation will increase support for families of those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Harkin served in the Navy as a jet pilot on active duty from 1962 to 1967 and then continued to fly in the Naval Reserves. He is a member of American Legion Post 562 in his hometown of Cumming, IA.