To the Editor,

I’m a 70-year-old retired Marine captain and Vietnam veteran. As a registered independent, I vote for individuals who are committed to doing what’s best for our district, our country and the veterans community, regardless of their party affiliation.

That’s the same criteria I’m using to decide between David Rouzer and Mike McIntyre for Congress. From everything I’ve seen and heard, Rouzer’s plan to help veterans is long on rhetoric and short on specifics. However, retired service members like me know that supporting veterans is more than just a talking point for Congressman McIntyre. He brought three new VA facilities to our district, including a VA Super Clinic in Wilmington, voted against cuts to TRICARE benefits, and authored the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act. He employs full-time staff members who specialize in assisting veterans with their claims to ensure that we get the benefits we’ve earned.

Rep. McIntyre has congressional tenure and has advanced to the position of senior member of the prestigious House Armed Services Committee. He’s intimately familiar with the operations of our armed forces and he has the ability to influence committee decisions.

Rouzer, on the other hand, would have no influential standing and as a freshman congressman on the Armed Services Committee, and might not even serve on that committee, leaving our district without a voice in military policy. My choice for Congress is Mike McIntyre. He is devoted to our active duty and retired service members and I trust his experience.

Butch Plunkett

Wilmington