Retired generals stump for Clinton in South Bend

By JAMIE LOO, Tribune Staff Writer

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Senator Hillary Clinton tours AM General's Hummer plant during a visit to Mishawaka Saturday, April 12, 2008. (WSBT Photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 17, 2008 at 3:23 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 17, 2008 at 3:24 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Two retired generals met with local veterans Thursday to urge them to back presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Maj. Gen. George Buskirk and Brig. Gen. Pat Foote visited American Legion Post 284 and Mishawaka American Legion Post 303 to campaign for Clinton.

The visit was part of several stops in Indiana for the generals, who are among more than 35 flag-rank officers serving as senior members on Clinton’s military steering committee.

During the visit, Foote met with veterans to encourage them to learn about all of the candidates and to let them know why she supports Clinton. Foote said Clinton has the best plan for ending the war in Iraq and for providing educational and healthcare benefits for the veterans when they return.

"Our image in the world has been greatly distorted over the past 8 years," Foote said. "She (Clinton) is very interested in building bridges of diplomacy so that the nations of the world will come together and work together to prevent terrorists and wars such as the ones we’re seeing in the Middle East and Africa."

The war, economy and health care issues "speak to the heart," Foote said. Clinton’s long history of service and experience, and the solutions she offers make her more than qualified, Foote said.

"I think she has every qualification in the world to be commander in chief of the armed forces as well as the leader of our nation in all areas of national security," Foote said.

Patricia Deka, who served with the Women’s Army Corps during Vietnam, said it was an honor to meet a woman general. Deka said she supports Clinton and likes her idea for withdrawal from Iraq, and plans to focus back on Afghanistan.

Her husband, Glenn Deka, said he isn’t sure who he is supporting yet. Mr. Deka said he agrees with Obama that "lobbyists shouldn’t run the government." Deka said he hasn’t heard as strong of a commitment from Clinton on that issue.

Both said they’re frustrated that the media is focusing more on soundbytes and isn’t giving the public more information on the issues and solutions all three candidates stand for. The Dekas have a son who is currently serving his fifth tour of duty in Afghanistan.

"I’m trusting Hillary to bring my son home safely and with honor," Patricia Deka said.

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