August 19 - Republican John McCain spoke to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Conference Monday. As a war veteran, McCain uses his experience to enhance his foreign policy credentials while attempting to paint opponent Barack Obama as an inexperienced novice. But not everyone is impressed with McCain's standing on veterans issues as Senator. One of those is Carol Hrdlicka. Her husband was shot down in Vietnam May 18 1965. He was captured in Laos and has never been returned. Hrdlicka has lobbied on behalf of veterans and prisoners of war since his disappearance.

Interview:

Both candidates are trying to appeal to veterans. Speaking to Veterans of Foreign Wars, McCain laid out a recent plan for veterans. It would allow veterans to use not only VA facilities but private doctors and hospitals too. Critics worry that this is an attempt to privatize veterans health care.

But most of McCain's speech focused on current conflicts. As for Georgia, McCain increased the intensity of his rhetoric against Russia regarding the Georgia conflict. He warned against Russia's aggressive militarism.

Russia, under the rule of Vladimir Putin, is becoming more aggressive toward the now Democratic nations that broke free of the old Soviet Empire.

McCain also tied the Russia Georgia conflict to the energy crisis. He warned against consequences if Russia overtook Georgia because of a major oil pipeline that runs through Georgia, providing oil to the west.

As for Iraq - McCain belittled Obama's opposition to the surge, criticizing Obama for having poor judgment. But McCain continues to support the current military operations in Iraq.

Both Candidates pledge to end this war and bring our troops home. The great difference is that I intend to win it first.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama launched a veterans initiative Monday called the Next Generation of Veterans Movement.

Phil Carter is an Iraq War Veteran and Veterans Director for the Obama campaign.

Thousands of veterans have joined this campaign because of his leadership.

Veterans from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will travel to Denver, participate in grassroots campaigning and speak to voters around the country. The third night of the Democratic Convention will be dedicated to veterans.