Seventeen Linn County military veterans are part of the Iowa Veterans for Romney, which is chaired by former Cedar Rapids resident Chuck Larson Sr., a former U.S. attorney and colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.

“Iowa’s veteran community is one of the Hawkeye State’s most important constituencies, and the Romney-Ryan team has received a tremendous reception across the state,” he said. “Our coalition will play a vital role in helping educate veterans about the Romney-Ryan plan to reverse the current administration’s defense cuts, get unemployed veterans back to work, and enact positive reforms at the VA.”

The looming defense cuts under the Obama Administration are poised to eliminate more than 5,000 jobs in Iowa, including the elimination of nearly 500 positions at the Des Moines-based 132^nd Fighter Wing.

“It’s clear President Obama has not kept faith with the thousands of veterans who call Iowa home,” according to the Romney campaign.

The coalition also called for protecting veterans’ jobs and benefits. Service members returning from battle should be able to quickly find a well-paying job, “but with nearly 20 percent of young veterans unemployed in the Obama economy, that’s easier said than done,” a spokesperson said.

Gov. Terry Branstad, an Army veteran, is an honorary chair.

The Linn County members are: Del Block, Don Boland, James Brownell, Kermit Casey, Paul Coffman, John Erceg, Gary Grant, Bill Hampton, Richard Heacock, Dale Jones, Dick Lassel, Paul Pelletier, Mark Radeleff; Barry Schenkelberg, Louis Vanmarm, Roger Wagner and Peter Welch.