Major General Thomas Thompson and
Commander Paul Galanti Endorse Ben Loyola
January 19, 2010
Republican Ben Loyola received the support of two great Virginia patriots and military leaders in his campaign to represent Virginia's Second Congressional District.
Major General Thomas “Tommy” Thompson Virginia Army National Guard (Retired) and Paul E. Galanti, Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired) endorse Ben Loyola for election to Congress.
“Ben Loyola has lived the American Dream. He understands firsthand the blessings of liberty that Americans must be vigilant to protect and preserve,” said Major General Thompson. “He understands the needs of those who protect our shores, our air, our land and our seas, and I have full confidence in him as the right person at this precarious time to serve in our nation’s capital as the Congressman of the Second District of Virginia.”
Major General Thompson served his country with 36 total years of service. His numerous U.S. decorations and badges include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and two Armed Forces Reserve Medals, along with many Virginia Decorations. Thompson was commissioned in 1956 and currently is Chairman of Harrison & Lear, Inc., a Hampton Virginia based business.
“Fellow Naval Academy graduate Ben Loyola has all the skills and experience to be an effective Congressman,” said Commander Galanti. “I support Ben and think he’d be an excellent representative for the people of the Second District.”
Paul Galanti graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1962 and then immediately entered Navy jet flight training at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Galanti flew 97 combat missions in his A-4C Skyhawk before being shot down and captured on June 17, 1966. He remained a prisoner of war in North Vietnam’s infamous Hanoi Hilton complex for nearly seven years and was released on February 12, 1973.
Galanti’s military decorations include the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit for combat, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star for combat, nine Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal for combat and two Purple Hearts.
Galanti was Chairman of the Virginia Veterans for McCain and Coalition Chair for Veterans for McDonnell.
Ben Loyola is proud to have their support. “They are true American heroes, and their support means so much to me, especially in a race that is so crucial to our national and domestic security.”
Ben Loyola is a candidate for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. He’s a 25-year resident of Virginia Beach, 30-year Navy combat veteran, successful businessman, and Conservative Republican.
