Nevada congressman launches campaign to support U.S. troops

RENO -- Rep. Jim Gibbons has launched an effort designed to drum up support for U.S. troops facing the prospect of military action in Iraq.

At a ceremony Saturday at the Nevada Air National Guard base, Gibbons said his "Support Our Troops" campaign includes a new e-mail address that allows Nevadans to send messages of support to troops abroad.

As the only member of Congress who served in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, Gibbons, R-Nev., said he understands the importance of public support during war.

"While the public may be divided on the U.S. policy regarding Saddam Hussein's brutal regime, we all realize the importance of rallying around the men and women who fight for our freedom and protection," he said.

Messages sent to SupportOurTroopsmail.house.gov will go to Gibbon's office and be forwarded to the Defense Department for delivery to bases around the world. Soldiers can view messages for at least 48 hours.

Over the next month, Gibbons plans to announce an "Adopt a Family" program and other initiatives designed to support troops and their families.

"These heroes deserve our respect and gratitude, and they need our support," he said.

Gibbons also reaffirmed his support for military action in Iraq, saying the threat Saddam Hussein poses to the U.S. is real.

Afterward, Gibbons denied his new campaign and recent criticism of Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposed tax increases are designed to give him a higher profile for a 2004 race against Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"This campaign is not about Jim Gibbons," he said. "It's about the servicemen and servicewomen of Nevada. I feel it's necessary to show support for our troops."

Top Republican strategists are urging the four-term congressman to challenge Reid. Gibbons has not ruled out the race.

The Support Our Troops campaign was praised by Nevada Air National Guard members who attended the ceremony.

"Being gone for so long, it's a big deal to hear from people back home, whether it's about sports or whatever," said 1st Lt. Cathy Marking of the 192nd Airlift Squadron.

"Without public support, we can't do what we're assigned to do," added Capt. Josh Flatley of the same squadron.

The two were recently called up for at least a year of duty.