Candidate for U.S. Senate to Speak at Pinecrest 912 Patriots Meeting

Col. Mike McCalister, retired U.S. Army Reserves and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate 2012, will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Pinecrest Chapter of Tampa 912 tonight at 7 p.m.

The Pinecrest Patriots meet in a storefront on County Road 39 in Lithia, next to Ace Hardware.

McCalister is running against Democratic incumbent, Sen. Bill Nelson.

A retired colonel with 33 years service including active duty, National Guard and Reserves, McCalister said he is acutely aware of the challenges that face veterans today.

 "As currently the only Republican military veteran in this race, I am the best qualified to address veterans’ and real-world national security and national defense issues in the U.S. Senate," said McCalister.

Among the issues he would tackle if elected is to prevent any increase in the cost of Tri-Care health insurance premiums, ensure continued payments of current pensions, retirement and disability payments for veterans, provide continued access to commissaries and other base facilities and amenities and ensure that all National Guard and Reserve units remain intact and operational.

Following McCallister's presentation Pinecrest Patriots member Kim Kelley will speak to concerning additional Environmental Protection Agency on the horizon.