PALM COAST, FL– Today, the Paul Renner for Governor Campaign launched its Statewide Veterans Coalition, announcing a distinguished leadership team that will recruit veteran leaders in each county to help with policy ideas and voter turnout.
“During my tenure as Speaker of the House, we made the Free State of Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation,” said Paul Renner. “As a Navy veteran who served in two combat theaters, I understand firsthand the sacrifice that our warriors and their families make to keep us safe and free. We must make sure they have access to the healthcare, education, and business opportunities they need to be successful during and after service.”
The Coalition’s Steering Committee is made up of veterans with distinguished records of service, including State Rep. Patt Maney of Okaloosa County.
“Paul Renner is the trusted leader our state needs as our next Governor. As a fellow veteran, he understands how we can best support service members and their families during and after their time in uniform,” said Rep. Patt Maney. “When we served together in the Florida House, Paul delivered policies that benefit our veterans and their spouses, such as the expansion of mental health services, job training, mentorship, entrepreneurship opportunities, and eliminating barriers to occupational licensing to ease employability concerns. As Governor, Paul will commit our state to the unwavering support of our military and its veterans.”
Rep. Maney, a combat-wounded Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and 2018 inductee to the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame, will serve as Chairman of Veterans for Renner. He is accompanied by a distinguished coalition of veterans who bring decades of experience, leadership, and dedicated service that includes the following:
D. K. Bean, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired*
Ronald E. Birchall, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired*
Richard Bishop, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, Retired*
Christopher De Ruyter, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired*
William Dudley, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Retired*
Dennis O. Freytes, Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired, 2016 inductee to the FL Veterans’ Hall of Fame*
Bruce Garrott, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired*
Curt Perkins, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired*
Lewis Preddy, Commander, U.S. Navy, Retired*
Ralph Dale Rogers, Tech Sergeant, U.S. Air Force*
Samuel P. Royer, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps*
Jeremiah Schwarz, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Retired*
Carl E. Schwenker III, Commander, U.S. Navy, Retired*
James Randall Stapleford, Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired*
*Use of rank and branch of service is for identification purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States.
“I am honored by the support of these American heroes,” said Renner. “We share the values common to all veterans: a deep love of country, the willingness to put service above self, and the commitment to never quit until the mission is complete.”
Join the fight at www.VoteRenner.com.


