SENATE HOPEFUL ASHCROFT VOWS TO KEEP MILITARY PREPARED, STRONG

Calvin Vogelsang of Cape Girardeau wasn't bashful Monday night about telling Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, John Ashcroft, what is needed to keep America strong militarily.

Vogelsang, a member of the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said America needs to return to the Reagan years and the strong military that broke the backs of the Russians.

Vogelsang spoke at a gathering of about two dozen Ashcroft supporters at the federal courthouse.

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, two former leaders of the Missouri National Guard and U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond praised Ashcroft for his commitment to the military, especially during his eight years as governor.

Emerson of Cape Girardeau acted as host, introducing state Farm Bureau President Charles Kruse of Dexter and former leader of Missouri's National Guard Charles Kiefner of Perryville.

Kruse, a retired brigadier general and second in command of Missouri's National Guard, said it was important to send Ashcroft to the Senate so he can work with Emerson and Bond for a strong national defense.

Kiefner, a retired major general, said that during his 16 years as leader of the Missouri Guard, he never made a request that the former governors didn't fulfill.

And, he said, Ashcroft had to send National Guard members into harm's way twice as governor.

Kiefner said Bond is also committed to a strong military and had helped ensure the flow of military equipment to the National Guard.

Kiefner called Bond an outspoken advocate for a strong national defense.

Bond said Missouri's National Guard members always made the governors look good because of their professionalism.

And, he praised Kiefner for working to keep the National Guard strong.

Then, Bond took a swipe at President Bill Clinton, saying Clinton has cut the military so much that it is hard for the military to respond.

The Haitian invasion was wrong, Bond said, adding that the United States doesn't have the resources to fight two major regional conflicts at the same time.

Ashcroft said he was willing to stand on his record in keeping the military prepared and strong.

Maintaining long-range bombers, like the B-2 that is based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, aircraft carriers, ships to move men and equipment and adequate reserve forces were part of his stand on national defense, Ashcroft said.

Americans need full value for their defense dollars, he said, adding that would include cutting weapons systems like the Seawolf submarine, which was saved for political purposes.

Ashcroft's comments that American soldiers should always be led by American commanders drew applause from the group.

American forces shouldn't be sent into harm's way under foreign leadership, he emphasized.

America needs to be prepared to defend strategic interests, Ashcroft said.

There should be clear objectives and an exit strategy, similar to what former President Bush had in Iraq, and not like Clinton's plan in Haiti.

Ashcroft and his supporters made stops throughout Missouri Monday to feature his national defense agenda.

Cape Girardeau was the last after talks in Waynesville, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Springfield and Joplin.