The preamble to the U.S. Constitution cites one of the central obligations of the federal government is to "provide for the common defense." Yet veterans make up only 20 percent of the members serving in the U.S. House and Senate. First-hand knowledge and understanding of our nation's military and the men and women who serve is largely lacking in Congress.

On April 24 voters in the 4th Congressional district have the opportunity to send to Washington not only a veteran but a soldier who continues to serve in the Army National Guard -- Scott Perry.

Scott has served on active duty previously, deploying to Bosnia and Herzegovina and more recently to Iraq as the commander of the 2nd Battalion 104th General Support Aviation Battalion, leading 800 plus soldiers on aviation combat missions in support of the 4th Infantry Division.

Scott knows from personal experience what our troops require to accomplish their missions and will need when they return home. Our nation's mounting debts and deficits threaten our military strength, weaken our national defense and make us vulnerable to our enemies.

America requires battle-tested leadership. Please vote Scott Perry for U.S. representative in the Republican primary election on April 24.

Don O'Shell

Springettsbury Twp.