WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that he is hosting a Veterans Roundtable with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on August 17, 2012 at 3 PM.  The event is open to the public and the media.  It will be held at the MSU College of Technology, Heritage Hall.  McCain will also join Rehberg on a small business tour to explore the impact of automatic defense cuts and the New START treaty on the Great Falls economy.
 
“Senator McCain is an authentic American hero who has served his country with dedication and honor,” said Rehberg.  “It’s important to have him come to Great Falls so we can roll up our sleeves and work together with the local community to address some of the major challenges on the horizon.  From New START missile reductions at Malmstrom Air Force Base to automatic defense cuts that could devastate our ability to defend our nation, we’re due for a storm.  Fortunately, this is still the United States of America, and we’ll weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.”
 
Senator McCain has a remarkable record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. He was first elected to the United States House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982 and, after serving two terms, was elected to the United States Senate in 1986. In 2008, he was the Republican nominee for president. He currently serves as the Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. During his long career, Senator McCain has led the fight for reforming Washington, eliminating wasteful government spending, strengthening our nation's armed forces, and promoting American interests abroad. Senator McCain has seven children and four grandchildren, and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Cindy.
 
McCain’s visit to Great Falls begins with a tour of National General Supply, Inc., which will be heavily impacted by the upcoming sequestration defense cuts.  National-General is a small supply contractor for the US Air Force which employs 40 people nationwide including 15 in Great Falls.  They have been operating COCESS (Contractor Operated Civil Engineer Supply Store) contracts for the Air Force for more than 35 years, providing logistical services for the civil engineering squadrons on five USAF installations.  They maintain open accounts with over 3,700 vendors.  They have two facilities in Great Falls, one is located at Malmstrom AFB and the other is located off the base.   The tour will be open to the media.
 
After the tour, McCain will join Rehberg and a panel of state and local veteran service providers for a public Veterans Roundtable.

What: Veterans Roundtable
When: Friday, August 17 at 3:00 PM
Where: MSU- College of Technology, Heritage Hall (2100 16th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT)
Who: Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, Senator John McCain, a panel of local veterans, the public and the media.

You can download a full-resolution portrait of Senator McCain HERE.