Dear Friends,

There is no more basic task that any national government can perform than that of providing for its citizens' security. Our Founding Fathers saw this truth as one of the most important reasons for our government to even exist. That's why the preamble to the United States Constitution prominently features the simple phrase:, "provide for the common defense."

As the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I have done, and will continue to do, everything I can to ensure that our nation is safe. We do this by making sure that our servicemen and women have the best equipment, the best leadership, the best infrastructure, and the best training in the world to do the noble job that, thankfully, they have volunteered to do.

Like Ronald Reagan, I believe that the guiding principle of our national security strategy must be "Peace through Strength." The people of the United States - including the members of its armed forces - are safest when we are at our strongest.

Our Congressional district is rather unique in that we have living among all of us members of every branch of the armed services and the people who support them - active duty personnel, reservists, retired veterans, research and development scientists, and industry workers. They have all come together locally to help keep our nation safe and strong. They deserve our support, and from me, they have it absolutely and completely.

On Memorial Day, Veterans Day, the Fourth of July, and countless other local observances around our district, state, and country, we honor the sacrifices made by men and women who have served their fellow citizens and their nation. However, our commitment to our military and the safety of our nation must go beyond those individual celebrations and come together in an on-going, day-after-day pledge to honor their service by giving them the tools to perform their duties and come home to their loving families.

We owe them no less.

I want to thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope that you will support me when you cast you ballot on November 6th. If you have any questions, comments, or want more information, please don't hesitate to call our campaign office at (661) 255-5709 or visit our website at www.buckmckeon.com.

Thank you,