War vets campaign for McCain

By Peg McNichol

Southeast Missourian

War, immigration, gas prices and the economy are just a few issues for this year's presidential campaign. But the overriding issue, according to three war veterans and self-described wingmen for presidential candidate John McCain, is character.

Retired Capt. Charlie Plumb, a prisoner of war with John McCain in Vietnam, said he's been touring constantly since the Republican convention. Plumb spent more than six years in a prison camp and said he knows McCain's heart from that experience.

More than 40 people gathered in the downtown Cape Girardeau campaign office to hear Plumb, author of the POW memoir, "I'm No Hero," share the story of his fellow captive, John McCain. He said the presidential candidate demonstrated character while surviving the brutal camp, always thinking of others and his country first.

Joining Plumb was a more recent veteran, Hunter Hayes, who spoke of his duties in the U.S. Navy, as a 3rd-class petty officer and corpsman. His unit helped save the lives of 25 U.S. Marines — a statement that elected a strong round of applause from his audience Friday afternoon. Hayes, who now lives in Lufkin, Tx., said he met McCain in April and is the southwest regional desk officer, overseeing a region which includes Louisiana, Utah, Texas and Nebraska. Hayes told the crowd that U.S. military forces are winning the war in Iraq and will continue to do so when McCain is elected.

Retired Marine Col. Jack Jackson, a former Missouri representative, introduced the men, telling those assembled that Southeast Missouri voters could make a difference.

Campaign volunteer Jordan Wavis, 28, of Cape Girardeau, said he was very impressed by Plumb and McCain's war history.

Missouri 158th District Rep. Mary Kasten was in the audience, praising the veterans for "preserving our freedom which is so delicate."

Kasten set aside her trademark red-framed glasses for sleek, slivery sunglasses.

"It's the closest I could get to the glasses Sarah Palin wears," she joked.

Plumb, asked if Palin's role on the ticket had turned from helpmate to obstacle, said the vice presidential candidate had energized the party and added a middle-class cache to the campaign.

"She is 'Joe the Plumber,'" he said.

For more on this story, revisit www.semissourian.com or read Saturday's Southeast Missourian.