Posts Tagged ‘Medal of Honor’
Friday, June 4th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – In response to the attacks on Bill Connor’s combat record leveled by Larry Richter on live television Friday, Bill Connor released the following statement:
“For a non-veteran to make slanderous statements about a combat veteran’s service is unconscionable, yet typical of the slimy South Carolina politics we have seen so evident this week. Today’s attack was similar in form and fashion to last night’s racist outburst from Senator Jake Knotts, only without the alcohol excuse.
“I don’t believe that it is a coincidence that Senator Knotts has endorsed Larry Richter in this race. I also don’t believe that it’s a coincidence that a desperate Larry Richter would choose to make these attacks only four days before the Republican primary.
“This kind of behavior has become sadly typical of members of the political class desperately trying to hold on to their power. We have reached a point where losing Establishment candidates will say or do anything to smear their opponents. This must stop if we are to move our state forward.
“I call on the leadership of the Republican Party to join me in condemning these scurrilous negative attacks in no uncertain terms, and end the cycle of the politics of personal destruction in this state. Lee Atwater repented of his style of politics before he died; his followers need to do the same.”
The comments were made on WMBF’s News This Week program, and can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/22t8l9h.
Connor’s Officer Evaluation Reports from his time in Afghanistan are available on his website at http://voteconnor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Connor_OER.pdf.
Video of a previous attack from Richter on the concept of combat leadership can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stW649OAtpE.
Video of Richter trumpeting his endorsement of Senator Knotts can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3wAHw56ehk.
Bill Connor is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve who received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his service in combat as the senior American advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Bill is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce and file for South Carolina statewide office, and the only combat veteran running for Lt. Governor. In addition to his Reserve duties, Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy. Bill is a graduate of the Citadel and USC Law School.
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Tags: Afghanistan, conservative, Dylan Goff, Helmand, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, military retirement, National Guard, Office on Aging, Ranger, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, Special Forces, veteran
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
“Bill Connor is the kind of man heroes are made of.”
— Rita Cosby, three-time Emmy winner, New York Times bestselling author, and author of the new book, QUIET HERO, a story about her father’s service in the Polish Resistance
Newspapers:
Charleston Mercury
“One of SC’s up and coming leaders…”
Spartanburg Herald-Journal
“Several things stand out about Bill Connor…and first among them is this: He has a clear vision for his time in office…”
Myrtle Beach Sun News
“…the most well-rounded tea party candidate in the state….combines a heroic military record with a law degree and small-business experience, and he delivers his message of conservative reform with a sincerity and enthusiasm that is difficult not to admire…”
Elected Officials:
South Carolina Adjutant General Stan Spears:
“Bill Connor has all the traits – all the values – to make a great Lieutenant Governor.”
Rep. Wendy Nanney (R-Greenville):
“Bill Connor has a record as a proven leader with executive experience and as a strong conservative on issues like life, marriage, and limited government.”
Congressman Joe Wilson:
“Bill Connor should be commended … for his selfless commitment to this nation.”
Military Leaders:
Major General James E. Livingston, Medal of Honor Recipient from Mt. Pleasant, one of the four surviving Medal of Honor Recipients who support Connor:
“Bill’s proven combat leadership, his legal education, and his experience helping his wife Susan start her small business uniquely qualifies him for that role.”
Major General Paul Vallely, Fox News Analyst and noted author:
“We are in dire need of principled public servants who will put loyalty to the Constitution and the principles that guarantee our freedom ahead of party affiliation, money and special interests. I believe Bill Connor will keep that oath as Lieutenant Governor.”
Major General Roger Sandler, former US Army Reserve Chief and Commander of the Army Reserve Command:
“You are one of the very few who run for public office who can claim a military service background. Your dedication and sacrifice by both you and your family, compliment your willingness to serve our state.”
Gene Wilbur, Commandant of the Marine Corps League in South Carolina:
“Bill’s dedication to our country reflects the values that we Marines hold dear.”
Dylan Goff, the newest member of the Citadel Board of Visitors:
“As an army captain under Bill’s command in Helmand, I’ve seen his leadership up close and personal in the toughest environment imaginable. I believe his leadership skills and his sense of duty and honor make him uniquely qualified for the job of Lt. Governor.”
W. Thomas Smith, Military policy analyst:
“The great Swedish warrior king Gustavus Adolphus once said, ‘A good Christian will never make a bad soldier.’ Bill Connor — a man of great faith and strong Christian values — is no exception.”
Notable:
Krista Cogdill of Greenville, a former competitor in the race for Lt. Governor:
“I have a lot of respect for the person that Bill has demonstrated himself to be. As I have spent time researching his values, background and objectives and as the only other political outsider in this race, I am pleased to endorse Bill Connor for Lt. Governor of South Carolina.”
Dr. Henry Jordan, Past President, SC Policy Council, and former Lt. Governor candidate:
“I believe Bill Connor is the only true conservative in the race for Lt. Governor. He has the experience to get the job done and a proven dedication to our state and our nation.”
Blogs:
FITSNews.com:
“We are endorsing Bill Connor for S.C. Lt. Governor because based on what matters most to us he’s the best candidate for the job…it is Connor’s consistent support for core fiscal conservative principles that have positioned him head and shoulders above his opponents in this race…”
Redstate.com:
“Were I in South Carolina, I’d certainly be supporting Bill Connor for Lt. Governor.”
The Garnet Spy:
Most importantly, Connor will be a tough citizen’s proponent when presiding over the South Carolina Senate. I believe those who engage in the procedural shenanigans in that body that have stifled transparency and progress will find a formidable adversary in Lt. Governor Bill Connor.
The Army Ranger motto is “Rangers Lead The Way.” but I think the phrase that’s splashed across the top of the Special Operations web site fits Bill Connor even better:
“No Bull, No Bias, No Pressure.”
Cory Truax, “3 Conservatives” blog:
“Bill Connor is a dynamic leader with profound experiences. An Afghan war vet and attorney, a father and husband, he speaks the language of small government, low taxes, and economic growth.”
Milblogger Blackfive:
“With leadership principles like “Mission first, men always,” and “leaders eat last,” it appears that the Palmetto State will be in good hands.”
Rob Watts, “Next Generation Conservative” blog, Lexington Young Republican Chair:
“Above all else Bill Connor is a true leader that believes in the Constitution and the vision of our Founding Fathers. He believes in the sovereignty of South Carolina. He has a constitutional mindset that will not glaze over his role as he has already raised his hand to swear to defend the Constitution of the United States. Now he will defend the tax payers of South Carolina.”
Bette Cox, Florence Republican activist:
“I have had the privilege of asking Bill every question I could think of and was quite happy with his answers… I support Bill Connor.”
PACS/Tea Parties:
Scott Wheeler, Executive Director, The National Republican Trust PAC:
“The great state of South Carolina, just as with the rest of the nation, is in need of great leadership from citizens and not stale politicians who are self interested. Bill Connor is one of those leaders that are so badly needed right now.”
Myrtle Beach Tea Party:
“Bill Connor is formally endorsed by the non-partisan Myrtle Beach Tea Party for Lt. Governor for the state of South Carolina.”
Union County Tea Party:
“Today, members of the Union County Tea Party made a unanimous decision to endorse Bill Connor for Lt. Governor. After careful examination of all candidates, the Union Tea Party is proud to announce their support for Bill Connor.”
Tags: Army Reserve, endorsements, Fox News, Joe Wilson, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, National Guard, newspaper, pro-life, Ranger, Republican, Rita Cosby, school choice, south carolina lieutenant governor, Special Forces, Stan Spears, veteran, Wendy Nanney
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Thursday, May 27th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – In response to the news of the death of John Finn, the Navy veteran whose heroic actions at Pearl Harbor earned him the Medal of Honor, Bill Connor released the following statement:
“John Finn’s heroism, standing by his guns as the Japanese planes continued their strafing attack, is legendary. John Finn and other heroes like him were examples to me growing up in a military family, and a major reason why I chose a military career.
“It seems fitting that as we head into the Memorial Day weekend, we pay special tribute to this member of the Greatest Generation who gave us the freedom we cherish.
“John’s family will be in our family’s prayers this Memorial Day, and I hope South Carolinians will consider his sacrifice, and the sacrifice of all those who died to protect our freedoms. Those include two men I served with in Afghanistan who gave their lives – SGT Ed Philpot and SSGT James Bullard. May we always honor their service and sacrifice.”
Finn was the oldest surviving Medal of Honor recipient. Connor is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to run for statewide office in South Carolina, having served as the Senior American Advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Connor has been endorsed by all four surviving South Carolina Medal of Honor recipients.
Bill Connor is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve who received the Bronze Star for his service in combat as the senior American advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Bill is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce and file for South Carolina statewide office, and the only combat veteran running for Lt. Governor. In addition to his Reserve duties, Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy. Bill is a graduate of the Citadel and USC Law School.
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Tags: Afghanistan, John Finn, Medal of Honor, Pearl Harbor, Ranger, Special Forces, veteran
Posted in blog | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
I thought I’d let you know where we would be this weekend. As the first post-9/11 combat veteran to run for SC statewide office, this is a pretty big weekend.
Friday evening I will be in Greenville – can’t talk about that much right now, but will share later.
Saturday I will be in Myrtle Beach for the Veterans Appreciation Days celebrations there. The Parade with Buzz Aldrin starts at 10:30AM
Sunday I will be speaking at the Siloam Baptist Church in Greenwood, then heading up to Anderson for the Memorial Day service at the American Legion hall at 3PM
Monday will be busy. I will be at the veterans events in Pickens (Sunrise Cemetery) at 10AM, Anderson (Veterans Home) at 11AM, and Oconee (Veterans Park) at noon. We’ll be finishing up at the Newberry Memorial Day Tea Party in downtown Newberry at 5PM that night.
See you on the trail!
Tags: Afghanistan, family, Iraq, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, Memorial Day, National Guard, Ranger, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, Special Forces, Tea Party, veteran
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Monday, April 12th, 2010
Legislator, Military Leaders back Lt. Governor front runner
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – As polls continue to show his campaign in the lead, Bill Connor today announced four more endorsements in his campaign to be South Carolina’s next Republican Lieutenant Governor.
Major General Roger Sandler, former US Army Reserve Chief and Commander of the Army Reserve Command joins “Bill’s Brigade”.
“I am particularly impressed with the fact that you have been an Army commander serving your country in a war zone,” Sandler said. “You are one of the very few who run for public office who can claim a military service background. Your dedication and sacrifice by both you and your family, compliment your willingness to serve our state. I will be proud to help you achieve your goal and wish you the best as you campaign.”
Also joining Bill’s Brigade are Gene Wilbur, former Commandant of the Marine Corps League in South Carolina, and Michael Mika, President of the South Carolina chapter of the Special Forces Association.
“With Marines fighting in Helmand Province where Bill Connor was previously the Senior US Commander, I am particularly proud to endorse Bill’s campaign,” Wilbur said. “Bill’s dedication to our country reflects the values that we Marines hold dear. I am proud to join Medal of Honor recipient Major General James Livingston as Marines who support Bill Connor.”
Finally, the campaign announced the endorsement of Rep. Mac Toole of Lexington County.
“I am so pleased to have these leaders join our campaign,” Connor said. “These are men who raised their right hands to protect our Constitution as I did twenty years ago. I am grateful that they see in me that same dedication to serving our country as I see in them. I am privileged to have their support.”
Bill Connor is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves who received the Bronze Star for his service in combat as the senior American advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Bill is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce and file for South Carolina statewide office, and the only combat veteran running for Lt. Governor. In addition to his Reserve duties, Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy. Bill is a graduate of the Citadel and USC Law School.
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Tags: Afghanistan, conservative, constitution, endorsements, Gene Wilbur, Lieutenant Governor, Mac Toole, Medal of Honor, Michael Mika, military retirement, National Guard, Republican, Roger Sandler, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, Special Forces, veteran
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Monday, March 29th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Bill Connor, the first post-9/11 combat veteran to file for statewide office in South Carolina and the frontrunner in the race to be South Carolina’s next Lt. Governor, today announced he had been endorsed by Master Sgt. John Baker, a Vietnam era Medal of Honor recipient. Baker resides in the Midlands.
Baker is the 4th living South Carolina Medal of Honor recipient to support Connor’s campaign, joining Major General James E. Livingston, Col. Charles “Chuck” Murray, and Lt. Michael Thornton. According to the Medal of Honor Society, there are 91 surviving Medal of Honor recipients today; only these four are South Carolinians.
“It is a tremendous honor to be supported by this most exclusive group of military heroes,” said Connor. “These men understand leadership at its most critical point, having put their lives on the line for our nation in heroic and spectacular ways on the battlefield. They fought for our Constitution and our liberties in faraway lands.
“Now those liberties are under a very different kind of threat from an ever intrusive federal government. As military officers, these men swore the same oath that I swore – to uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States. They upheld that oath with their actions and bravery on the battlefield, and we are grateful to them for their achievements and their service.
“I am running for office to keep that same oath in a new way – protecting the liberties of our citizens and holding the federal government in check here at home. I am truly blessed to have the support of these fine American heroes in this endeavor,” Connor concluded.
Bill Connor is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves who received the Bronze Star for his service in combat as the senior American advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Bill is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce and file for South Carolina statewide office. In addition to his Reserve duties, Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy. Bill is a graduate of the Citadel and USC Law School.
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Tags: conservative, constitution, endorsements, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, Ranger, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, Tea Party, veteran
Posted in news | 2 Comments »
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
MAJ GEN Stanhope Spears, Adjutant General of South Carolina:
“Bill Connor has all the traits – all the values – to make a great Lieutenant Governor. I am pleased to support Bill Connor now, in the Primary and in the General Election.”
Rep. Wendy Nanney (R-Greenville):
“Bill Connor has a record as a proven leader with executive experience and as a strong conservative on issues like life, marriage, and limited government.”
Major General James E. Livingston, Medal of Honor Recipient from Mt. Pleasant:
“Bill’s proven combat leadership, his legal education, and his experience helping his wife Susan start her small business uniquely qualifies him for that role.”
Dr. Henry Jordan, Past President, SC Policy Council, and former Lt. Governor candidate:
“I believe Bill Connor is the only true conservative in the race for Lt. Governor. He has the experience to get the job done and a proven dedication to our state and our nation.”
Major General Paul Vallely, former Fox News military analyst and noted author:
“We are in dire need of principled public servants who will put loyalty to the Constitution and the principles that guarantee our freedom ahead of party affiliation, money and special interests. I believe Bill Connor will keep that oath as Lieutenant Governor.”
Rob Watts, Lexington blogger – “Next Generation Conservative”, Young Republican leader:
“Above all else Bill Connor is a true leader that believes in the Constitution and the vision of our Founding Fathers. He believes in the sovereignty of South Carolina. He has a constitutional mindset that will not glaze over his role as he has already raised his hand to swear to defend the Constitution of the United States. Now he will defend the tax payers of South Carolina.”
W. Thomas Smith, Jr., Military policy analyst:
“The great Swedish warrior king Gustavus Adolphus once said, “A good Christian will never make a bad soldier.” Bill Connor — a man of great faith and strong Christian values — is no exception.”
Bette Cox, Florence blogger, Republican activist:
“I have had the privilege of asking Bill every question I could think of and was quite happy with his answers… I support Bill Connor.”
FITSNews.com:
“…as far as we can tell only Bill Connor is serious about protecting the taxpayers.”
Milblogger Blackfive:
“With leadership principles like “Mission first, men always,” and “leaders eat last,” it appears that the Palmetto State will be in good hands. Scores of other military members have endorsed Connor including 12 generals and three of South Carolina’s five living Medal of Honor recipients.”
Union County Tea Party:
“Today, members of the Union County Tea Party made a unanimous decision to endorse Bill Connor for Lt. Governor. After careful examination of all candidates, the Union Tea Party is proud to announce their support for Bill Connor.”
Tags: abortion, Adjutant General, Afghanistan, Bill of Rights, business, Christian, conservative, constitution, economic development, endorsements, evangelical, FairTax, law enforcement, liberty, Medal of Honor, military retirement, National Guard, Office on Aging, pro-life, Ranger, service, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, Special Forces, Stan Spears, Tea Party
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – As early polls, including most recently from Glen Bolger, show Bill Connor in the lead in the race to be South Carolina’s next Lt. Governor, Bill Connor’s campaign today showed more early momentum, announcing another round of military and business endorsements.
Major General Paul Vallely (US Army, Retired), a published author and regular military analyst for the Fox News Network, has endorsed Bill Connor.
“I am pleased and proud to announce my early endorsement of your candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. After reviewing your background and your position statements on the critically important issues facing our nation, I have no doubt that you understand the national security and domestic issues facing our great Nation and, particularly, the people of South Carolina.
I trust that you will bring the necessary leadership that we vitally need. We are in dire need of principled public servants who will put loyalty to the Constitution and the principles that guarantee our freedom ahead of party affiliation, money and special interests. I believe you will keep that oath as Lieutenant Governor.”
In addition to Gen. Vallely, the Connor campaign announced that Lt. Michael E. Thornton, a Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient for his gallantry in Vietnam had also joined “Bill’s Brigade”, the Connor Military/Veterans Coalition.
Bill’s Brigade also added Clare Lopez, a retired CIA Operations Officer.
The campaign also announced the endorsements and support of two key Upstate business leaders: Dean Anderson and Jerry Dempsey.
“I am proud to add these fine military and business leaders to our campaign, and pleased to be leading in these polls,” Connor said. “The people of South Carolina understand the need for a political outsider who is qualified for the job. Our support among the veterans community is particularly gratifying. With eleven weeks to go in this campaign, I look forward to continuing to get the message out that more government is not the answer – freedom is the answer.”
Bill Connor is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves who received the Bronze Star for his service in combat as the senior American advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Bill is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce and file for South Carolina statewide office. In addition to his Reserve duties, Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy. Bill is a graduate of the Citadel and USC Law School.
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Tags: Clare Lopez, conservative, Dean Anderson, endorsements, Jerry Dempsey, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, Michael Thornton, Paul Vallely, South Carolina, South Carolina Election, south carolina lieutenant governor, veteran
Posted in news | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Good news for the SC economy. Legislature has passed a bill offering relief from the unfair “Point of Sale” tax on real estate. In 2010, 2nd homebuyers will be completely excepted from POS taxes. After 2010, they receive a 20% tax exemption. I believe we should end POS permanently, but this is a good start.
Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bob Murray and Midlands Business leader Bill Dukes are two of my honored guests for tonight’s Columbia Fundraiser (5:30-7:30pm, 1021 Briargate Circle, Col). Ralph Taylor, Pres/CEO of SC 1st Choice Mortgage, is putting on this event and I am looking forward to seeing friends soon.
Tags: Afghanistan, conservative, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, National Guard, point of sale, Ranger, real estate, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, Special Forces, taxes
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Monday, February 8th, 2010
In another sign of building momentum, the Bill Connor campaign today announced that Marine Major General and Medal of Honor recipient James Livingston had endorsed the campaign.
“As a Marine who led men into battle in Vietnam, I understand the challenge of combat leadership,” said General Livingston. “Combat leadership is forged in the toughest crucible known to man. As an Infantry Lt. Colonel, Bill was the senior US advisor to Afghan forces in Helmand fighting the Taliban insurgency. Now, Bill is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce for statewide office. I am so proud to endorse Bill’s candidacy for Lieutenant Governor.”
“I am proud to have the support of a Medal of Honor recipient like Jim Livingston,” Bill Connor said. “It means so much to our campaign to have leading veteran voices like General Livingston supporting us. General Livingston has been a great voice for the economic benefits of attracting retirees to our state. He points out that the average retiree household moving to South Carolina with pension and retirement income brings an average of three to four jobs. I look forward to working with General Livingston as head of the Office on Aging to make our state a retiree haven, allowing South Carolina businesses to create new jobs.”
Bill Connor is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves who received the Bronze Star for his service in combat as the senior American advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. In addition to his Reserve duties, Bill serves as the Chairman of the Board of Orangeburg Christian Academy. Bill is a graduate of the Citadel and USC Law School. Bill lives in Orangeburg with Susan, his wife of 18 years, and their three children Peyton, Brenna, and Will. They attend Christ Church of the Carolinas in Columbia.
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Tags: Afghanistan, conservative, endorsements, James Livingston, Lieutenant Governor, Medal of Honor, Ranger, retiree, South Carolina, south carolina lieutenant governor, USMC, veteran
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